GOVERNMENT TAKES SERVICES TO THE DOORSTEP OF ZOLA RESIDENTS

By Sibongile Mofokeng and Madali Chibambu

• Despite the rain, residents of Zola, Soweto, packed the local service point to access a range of government services directly.
• The Gauteng Department of Social Development was joined by the departments of health and home affairs, along with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), for a service blitz in the township.
• While waiting for their services, the residents were treated to dance performances by a group of senior citizens from the local drop-in centre.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development, in collaboration with other government departments, recently conducted a service blitz at the Zola Service Point in Soweto.

This initiative is designed to bring essential government services directly to residents, ensuring that communities can access assistance without the burden of travelling long distances.

Despite heavy morning rain, residents from Zola and surrounding areas arrived in large numbers to access services from departments such as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the departments of home affairs and health, and other key government entities.

Every corner of the service point was filled with community members standing in queues, including elderly residents and people in wheelchairs, demonstrating the high demand for accessible services.

According to the blitz coordinator, Adelaide Mabina, the turnout exceeded expectations.

“As the department, we did not expect such a large number of people because of the rain. It was heart-warming to see an elderly couple walking in together to access services. That is when we realised how important it is to bring services directly to the people,” she said.

Residents queued for food parcel registrations, SASSA services and home affairs assistance, highlighting the community’s pressing needs.

The service blitz was not only about providing administrative and social services, but it also created a space for community engagement, as well as promoting active ageing.

A local drop-in centre group of older persons, King Alfar Queen Omega (KAQODO), attended the event dressed in coordinated jean skirts, blue T-shirts and headscarves.

The group brought a vibrant energy to the day, with lively dance performances adding a celebratory atmosphere.

One of the exhibitors, Tumelo Moloi, noted that the steady rainfall did little to discourage elderly community members from attending.

“Their presence demonstrated resilience and a strong determination to access government services. It also showed how much communities appreciate people-centred service delivery that brings assistance closer to where they live,” said Moloi.

She added that the spirited dance performances by the elderly reflected active ageing and social inclusion in action. The performances were met with warm applause, reinforcing the message that older persons remain capable, valued and actively involved in society.

For many residents, the service blitz provided a long-awaited and convenient opportunity to access critical services within their own community. The initiative demonstrated the positive impact of collaboration between government departments and community-based organisations in advancing social development goals.

By taking services directly to Zola, the government confirmed its commitment to responsive, inclusive and accessible service delivery, ensuring that no resident is left behind.