MATJHABENG RESIDENTS TO RECEIVE IMPROVED SERVICES

By Lerato Khateane

• Free State MEC of Social Development, Mamiki Leeto, and Premier, Sefora Ntombela, pledged to provide Matjhabeng residents with efficient one-stop service outreach programmes involving Social Development, its agencies, and stakeholders, ensuring beneficiaries obtain necessary documents for grant applications.
• Premier Ntombela emphasised the revival of Masupatsela foot soldiers to deliver services directly to the elderly and vulnerable, incorporating SAPS, Home Affairs, SASSA, Social Workers, and SASSA Doctors in a unified approach.
• The outreach programme addressed the high costs and logistical challenges faced by residents in applying for grants, urging officials to prioritise accessible service delivery.

Free State MEC of Social Development, Mamiki Leeto, and Premier, Sefora Ntombela, promised Matjhabeng residents efficient one-stop service outreach programmes. These initiatives, organised by Social Development, its agencies, and other stakeholders, aim to help beneficiaries obtain valid documents necessary for grant applications.

Premier Ntombela reinforced MEC Leeto’s commitment to revive the Masupatsela foot soldiers, who were previously employed by the department to ensure services are provided directly to the elderly and vulnerable families. The one-stop approach will include the South African Police Service (SAPS), Home Affairs, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), social workers, and SASSA doctors. MEC Leeto highlighted the high costs and challenges residents have faced over the years in applying for grants, particularly in terms of travel and obtaining the necessary documents.

“Officials and politicians who are supposed to render services and assist communities should not sit in their offices in high heels whilst our people are suffering in the community. It’s time to wear comfortable shoes that will enhance service delivery in our province,” said Premier Ntombela.

The Premier and the MEC, accompanied by Social Development HOD Adv TJ Phahlo, engaged with all stakeholders at their stalls rendering services to the Welkom community at Thabong Outdoor Centre. They later visited the Thabong 2020 informal settlement to inspect the Ikemeleng Community Nutrition Development Centre (CNDC).

Operational since 2021, Ikemeleng CNDC is part of the province’s initiative to strengthen the food security programme. The centre ensures that the most vulnerable and poorest members of the 2020 informal settlement households, especially children and women, have access to nutritious food daily.