Region E Social Development engages residents on local programmes

Aiming to strengthen its connection with residents and improve access to its services, the City of Johannesburg’s Social Development Department in Region E hosted a community engagement session at San Kopano Hall in Alexandra. The event, held on August 14, focused on making government programmes more visible and responsive to local needs.

Regional manager Lebogang Mathope used the platform to call for closer ties between the department and the community. “In most cases, the government is far away from the people. It’s about time we come closer to you.”

Read more: Region E health tackles the country’s HIV treatment gap

The department used the platform to outline several programmes, including youth empowerment initiatives and a substance abuse programme that drew particular attention. Mathope stressed the importance of making residents aware of available support so they know where to turn when facing challenges.

The event also allowed residents to raise concerns directly. Traditional healer and vendor Esther Ramodike questioned the department’s visibility in Alexandra and praised a local initiative that offers gym sessions for elderly women – an effort she felt should have come from the government.

Speaking about the department’s drug rehabilitation programme, Ramodike called for co-operation with the department, noting that some young people struggling with addiction, are afraid to reach out to the department. “Some are not free to come to you, but they are free to come to us as traditional healers. I am asking for your co-operation to be able to transfer them to you after working with them.”

Furthermore, she voiced frustration over restrictions placed on vendors near schools. “I’m supporting two students from Cape Town with the sales I make from selling my products, but the teachers are stopping us from selling at the school. It’s painful. They are treating us like we are not South Africans.”

Mathope responded by explaining that the temporary ban on food vendors near schools was introduced during a spike in food poisoning cases. “It was about protecting our children. When they stopped you, they should have explained why.” She also noted that some vendors had been found selling drugs to children, reinforcing the department’s responsibility to act in the interest of safety.

Mathope reiterated the department’s commitment to working with the community, saying that residents are best placed to guide programme development. “We can’t do things by ourselves. You can guide us on the programmes we need to implement. Gone are the days where the government sits in offices, assuming people cannot think for themselves. You can think for yourselves, and you have wisdom.”

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