Annual Thusong Service Centre Week: Building a Professional Public Service for Quality Service Delivery

by
1 min read
g o

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.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all
t a
Previous Story

A Year After the Jagersfontein Tailings Dam Collapse: Progress, Rehabilitation, and Prevention

h e
Next Story

Minister Joe Phaahla’s Visit to Assess Healthcare Service Delivery in Eastern Cape

Latest from Blog

street lighting community safety

Illuminating Cape Town: Lighting Up Safety and Community

Cape Town’s streetlight program shines brightly as it manages over 245,000 lights, making the city safer and more inviting, especially during the festive season. The community plays a vital role by reporting issues and staying alert, working together to protect these lights from theft and vandalism. With a focus on sustainability, the city is switching to energyefficient LEDs, reducing its environmental impact while keeping streets welllit. This initiative not only lights up the city but also brings people together, creating a warm and safe atmosphere that showcases Cape Town’s beauty at night.

housing development community empowerment

A Beacon of Hope: Gugulethu’s New Housing Project

The Gugulethu Infill Housing Project is bringing joy and hope to the community of Gugulethu, South Africa, by building 52 new homes for deserving families. This celebration marks a fresh start for many, especially the elderly and middleaged residents who finally have a safe place to call home. As they move in, they not only gain shelter but also a sense of belonging and stability. This project symbolizes the community’s strength and resilience, showing that together, they can overcome challenges and build a brighter future. The new homes are more than just buildings; they represent dreams coming true and a promise of better days ahead.

colonel celeste van der klashorst gender-based violence

Championing Justice: The Journey of Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst

Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst is a fearless leader in South Africa’s fight against violence and crime, especially those targeting women and children. With over thirty years of service, she created Child Protection Units and now leads the National SECI Unit, tackling serious issues like serial rape and child pornography. Her team’s recent success in a major operation has led to arrests and rescued children, showing the powerful impact of her work. Colonel van der Klashorst inspires others with her passion for justice, making her a shining example of hope and resilience in the battle for a safer society.

hiv/aids world aids day

World AIDS Day: Celebrating Progress and Confronting Challenges

World AIDS Day, celebrated on December 1, shines a light on the global fight against HIV/AIDS and calls for “Equal Rights, Equal Access” to treatment and prevention. This year marks 20 years since antiretroviral therapy (ART) became available, changing HIV from a deadly disease to a manageable condition for many. While big strides have been made, like improved testing and treatment access, challenges like stigma and treatment adherence still exist. Communities around the world come together to celebrate progress and remind us that the fight for healthcare equality continues. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the chance for a healthy life.

gender-based violence community justice

Champion of Justice: Sergeant Pule Morake’s Battle Against Gender-Based Violence in Wolmaransstad

In the small town of Wolmaransstad, Sergeant Pule Morake is a shining hero against genderbased violence. With fierce determination, he investigates crimes and helps victims find their voices. His biggest success came when he helped put a serial rapist behind bars for life, showing that justice can prevail. Morake inspires the community to stand together, reminding everyone that fighting against violence is a shared responsibility. His work fills the town with hope for a safer future where women and children can live without fear.