UMGUNGUNDLOVU: The Acting Head of the Department of Public Works, Mr Sboniso Majola and senior officials representing other provincial government departments joined forces with relevant stakeholders to address issues of concern facing the community of Machibisa in Ward 22.
This exercise was executed under the banner of the Umgungundlovu Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) Cabinet Day Programme, a community outreach programme aimed at fast-tracking service delivery in KwaZulu-Natal.
On Wednesday, 26 July 2023, the aforementioned delegation received a detailed ward profile which was presented by Ward Councillor Mr Thembinkosi Zondi who, without any ado, zoomed straight into pressing challenges being experienced at ward level.
Challenges captured in a ward profile document, among others, include the overall functionality of the ward and also entails a list of hindrances affecting a government housing project in the area, commissioning of a community library and abandoned Youth Centre which has been vandalized and turned into a crime zone. Shortage of water supply and electricity outages, in certain quotas of ward 22 were also mentioned as challenges which compel correction.
During the course of the day, the Acting Head of Department, Mr Siboniso Majola led a resilient delegation of government officials to 10 government houses owned by local OSS beneficiaries.
At a community engagement held at Poyinande Community Hall, Mr Majola reiterated that, the Provincial Cabinet is deployed in the area to respond to challenges faced by the community as he addressed all the issues raised. “We are here to resolve problems,” he said. In his statement, he pointed out that the construction of the Library will commence in September 2023.
He further pleaded with the community to work hand-in-glove with the police officials to reduce the reported high rate of crime in the area. “We have already engaged with the municipality together with other organisations to solicit funding for completion of the local Youth Centre for development of skills and related government programmes intended for the youth.
Excitement became the order of the day when Mr Majola pronounced on the provincial government’s commitment to construct a community sports combo court. He mentioned that, the MEC of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Mr Siboniso Duma has already stamped his authority by signing all necessary documents on reservation of land for installation of such a crucial facility.
In conclusion, he applauded the ward councillor and the community for raising issues of critical importance and indicated that he was pleased that, some of the issues were vigorously confronted and successfully tackled on the spot.
Programme Director, Mr Skhumbuzo Shabangu encouraged the community to voice out their challenges so that, government can be able to institute prompt intervention. The youth was encouraged to partake in government programmes which benefit communities.
Above: The orators of the day. From left, Mr Martin Sithole - Administrator from Msunduzi Municipality, Mr Sboniso Majola Acting HOD, Mr Skhumbuzo Shabangu - Director-Office of the HOD and Mr Thembinkosi Zondi - Ward Councillor
Left, the community of Machibisa, ward 22 listening attentively to the day’s proceedings. Right, government officials led by the Acting HOD, Mr Siboniso Majola (blue overalls) during a project site visit conducted on the day
Article by Nelisiwe Mkhize & Hlengiwe Dlamini Images by Sane Mbhense & Hlengiwe Dlamini