Celebrating Public Servants and Promoting the Thusong Programme
The South African government held the Annual Thusong Service Centre Week from September 18 – 22, 2023, with the theme, “Building a Professional Public Service for Quality Service Delivery.” This event aimed to highlight the effectiveness of the Thusong Programme, an integrated mobile outreach initiative that addresses the needs of citizens.
Throughout the Thusong Service week, public servants, particularly front-line officials stationed at Thusong Service Centres, were acknowledged for their efforts in creating an effective public service focused on addressing the needs of the people. Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, inaugurated the event at the NG Church Hall in Rawsonville, Western Cape Province. He commended the 121 operational centers for their role in providing accessible services to communities by hosting various government departments and entities.
A key feature of the event was a food security dialogue, emphasizing the benefits of backyard gardens, sustainability, and integration into the local economy. The University of the Western Cape led this discussion, presenting their research on food security within the municipality. The event also included the presentation of certificates of appreciation to dedicated public servants and displays of various government departments and entities for citizens to explore.
Fostering Food Security and Community Engagement
During this week, 88 activities were organized by Thusong Service Centres across the country, including 26 events centered on cleaning and food security initiatives, particularly backyard gardens. These efforts aimed to inspire community members to engage in community cleaning and establish backyard gardens to combat poverty, hunger, and food insecurity.
The final event of the 2023 Annual Thusong Service Centre Week took place in the Northern Cape Province at the Loeriesfontein Hub. This gathering focused on promoting food security, encouraging the creation of food gardens at Thusong Service Centres, and planting trees. GCIS Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa emphasized the importance of South Africans taking responsibility for securing food supplies through home or community gardens. She stressed that both individual and collective efforts could ensure that no South African goes to bed hungry.
Mnukwa also lauded the Thusong Service Centres for their critical role in the campaign, acknowledging the essential services and information offered by government departments, civil society organizations, and community organizations through these centers. She underscored their substantial impact on enhancing the lives of South Africans.
Citizens are urged to visit their local Thusong Service Centres more often and can locate the nearest center by visiting the government website at www.gov.za.
The Importance of Collaboration and the Path Forward
The 2023 Annual Thusong Service Centre Week demonstrates the South African government’s dedication to improving the quality of public service, advancing food security, and empowering citizens by providing access to essential services and information. By honoring the commitment and hard work of public servants and engaging communities in various activities, the government aims to cultivate a professional and people-centered public service.
Moreover, the event’s success highlights the significance of cooperative efforts among government departments, civil society organizations, and communities in addressing pressing challenges such as poverty, hunger, and food insecurity. The ongoing promotion and development of the Thusong Programme will undoubtedly contribute to enriching the quality of life for South Africans and fostering a more prosperous and resilient nation.
