Governments across the nation, in collaboration with communities and social partners, are hosting the Annual Thusong Service Centre Week from 18 to 22 September 2023. The event aims to expand the reach of government services to provide access to essential services and information to communities.
A Brief Overview of Thusong Service Centre Programme
The Thusong Service Centre Programme was initiated in 1999 to expand the reach of government services through an integrated approach. The first Annual Thusong Service Centre Week was launched in September 2014, and the event is now in its ninth year.
The Opening Event at Unobuntu Thusong Service Centre
The opening event took place on 18 September 2023 in the Western Cape Province at the Unobuntu Thusong Service Centre. The event included a food security dialogue led by the University of the Western Cape, based on their research within the Breed Valley Local Municipality on food security.
Unobuntu Thusong Service Centre’s Efforts in Alleviating Poverty and Promoting Food Security
Unobuntu Thusong Service Centre is notable for its efforts in alleviating poverty and promoting food security in the area. In Zwelethemba, the center works with community groups to establish a community soup kitchen that provides nutritious meals daily for disadvantaged families.
Mobile Outreach Activities to Bring Services Closer to Communities
Throughout the week, multiple mobile outreach activities have been planned to bring services and information closer to citizens. Partnerships with various organizations and the private sector have been established to better communicate and share available opportunities.
Emphasis on Cleaning and Food Security Campaigns
Out of the 88 activities planned for the week, 26 focus on cleaning and food security campaigns emphasizing backyard gardens. The objective is to encourage citizens to participate in community cleaning and establish backyard gardens as a way of combating poverty.
The Closing Event at Loeriesfontein Hub
The closing event will be held on 22 September 2023 at the Loeriesfontein Hub in Northern Cape Province. The event aims to bring services closer to the Loeriesfontein community, who currently have to travel 100 km to Calvinia to access government services. Additionally, the event will promote food security through profiling food gardens and tree planting initiatives.
Importance of Partnerships with the Private Sector
Nomonde Mnukwa, the Acting Director-General of GCIS, stated that the week is an opportunity to celebrate public servants working at the forefront of providing services to communities. Mnukwa also emphasized the importance of partnerships with the private sector in implementing projects that benefit communities.
The Impact of Thusong Service Centres
Thusong Service Centres have significantly improved access to essential services such as ID documents, birth and marriage certificates, computer training, health services, and UIF applications. South Africans are encouraged to visit their nearest Thusong Service Centre to explore the range of services offered at their local centers. Details about the week’s activities can be found on the official government website, www.gov.za.
