The Batho-Pele Outreach Programme is aimed at bringing government services closer to the people of Ward 29.

Thomas Mashabela, municipal spokesperson, said the initiative sought to promote transparency and responsive leadership.

Municipal leaders, officials, stakeholders and representatives from the departments of Home Affairs, Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and Statistics South Africa formed part of the event.

Mashabela stated that the presence of government departments, SASSA and Stats SA aimed to ensure that residents have direct access to information and support. The residents were provided a platform to interact with Mayor Mahlase on service delivery issues that affect them daily. Responding to the persistent challenge of illegal dumping, Mahlase outlined plans for a refuse collection payment system designed to improve cleanliness, generate revenue and create local jobs.

Mahlase highlighted that while the roll-out of the initiative might take time, the municipality remains committed to sustainable service delivery among communities.

She called on residents to safeguard public infrastructure and use peaceful means to register their frustrations over service delivery, urging that community assets need to be protected for the improvement of lives.

Mahlase lauded the community for their massive participation in the programme, “The municipality remains open and committed to listening and responding. Together, we will build, protect, and progress,” remarked Mahlase.