GAUTENG MEC OPENS MUCH-ANTICIPATED SOCIAL INTEGRATED FACILITY IN MABOPANE

By Sipho Ncube

• A new social integrated centre has opened its doors in Mabopane in the north of Tshwane providing a range of social services for residents.
• The centre will also offer skills development programmes for job seekers, and a gym for senior citizens.
• Gauteng MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko opened the centre saying it was part of the provincial initiative to ensure government services are brought to people’s doorsteps.

Gauteng MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko has officially opened the Mabopane Social Integrated Centre, which will provide social services, a gym for senior citizens, and skills development programmes.

Residents came in large numbers to witness the long-anticipated event. The centre aims to bring government amenities closer to the residents.

“We are here representing the provincial government led by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, ensuring that government services are brought to people’s doorsteps,” MEC Mazibuko said.

MEC Mazibuko urged those in attendance to make sure those who were not present at the opening ceremony are informed about what is available at the centre.

“This centre is going to provide, among other services, social development services, a gym for senior citizens to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, older persons’ services, a walk-in centre for substance abuse rehabilitation, and skills development for job creation,” the MEC said.

“We are also going to have partial care services for persons with disabilities, so that families can bring their disabled members for stimulation purposes.

“The centre will also offer SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) services such as the renewal of payment cards,” she said.

“We will also engage Home Affairs to provide their services from this facility.”

Local resident Christian Mbiza expressed delight at the launch of the center: “As senior citizens, we are pleased that this centre is going to cater to our needs so that our programmes can gain momentum.”

Gogo Mbiza added 14 luncheon clubs in Mabopane, with about 300 members. “I suppose we will need to organise ourselves and find opportunities to access the centre as different clubs.”