Services come knocking on Diepsloot’s doorstep
Diepsloot residents accessed a range of essential services at Sarafina Park as a community outreach brought government departments and service providers closer to their doorstep.
Getting help with government services for Diepsloot residents can often mean travelling far, waiting in long queues, or making repeated attempts to get assistance.
On August 14, however, residents had the opportunity to access several services in one place, when Ward 95 councillor Julius Maake hosted an integrated service delivery outreach at Sarafina Park. The outreach brought South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), home affairs, Family Africa, Siafunda, Fundi Mobile, Standard Bank, and other service providers into the community, allowing residents to seek help without leaving the area.
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For some residents, the outreach was more than just a community event; it provided an opportunity to finally resolve issues they had been struggling with. Nozameka Zoleka used the opportunity to apply for an identity document for her 18-year-old daughter. “I have been struggling to get the ID application sorted out, so when I heard that home affairs would be here, I knew I had to come. I am happy because I finally managed to apply for my daughter’s ID without having to travel far.”
Her experience was shared by Akhona Zoleka, who received assistance from Sassa regarding support for her daughter. “It was much easier because I could speak to someone directly and get clarity, instead of trying to figure everything out on my own.”
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For Mpho Duma, the outreach offered something different. While moving between the different services, Duma learnt about an organisation providing free counselling to people experiencing depression. “I did not know that there was an organisation offering free counselling. I think it is important because many people are going through depression, but do not know where to get help. I am glad I came here because I learnt something that can help someone in the community.”
Diepsloot resident Winnie Sesabuta also received assistance after struggling to apply for a child support grant for her one-year-eight-month-old child. “I have been applying online and trying to get assistance, but it has been in vain. Today I came here and Sassa helped me right away. I was approved and I will be getting the child grant next month for the first time.”
Maake said the outreach was aimed at making services more accessible to residents. “We realised that we need to take services straight to the people. People cannot go far away from Diepsloot to access services. It should be service delivery.”
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