Launch of Region A Faith-Based Organisations Forum

Region A Director Abigail Ndlovu said the aim of the launch was to engage faith-based organisations because they know the challenges and needs of their congregants. The pastors were requested to compile databases of their congregations’ needs which the region could then access so as to effectively provide services for the community.

“The forum will ensure there is a working relationship between Region A and faith-based organisations, all in an effort to benefit and better serve the public,” said Ndlovu.

This working relationship, according to Ndlovu, would help the region identify and assist with challenges that unemployed, disabled and people in need faced.

Presentations were made to inform attendees of services available to communities and what different departments such as the Department of Health and the youth programme Vulindlela eJozi have to offer. The programme is City of Johannesburg initiative aimed at breaking down barriers to youth employment

Deputy Director Regional Health, Nelly Shongwe, said due to the fact that the region’s primary health centres only operated from 7.30am until 4pm, posed a challenge for the communities as there was no 24-hour service centre after clinics closed. In emergency situations, ambulances were forced to access hospitals such as Tembisa Hospital which was further away.

Shongwe added, “Region A has 14 clinics, 61 nurses and two doctors. Nurses are trained to diagnose and treat patients but the clinics are small, they need to be expanded to accommodate the number of people who access them on a daily basis.”

Carol Mfaba from Harambee, which assists the youth with overcoming work entry barriers, also spoke on Mayor Parks Tau’s flagship programme, Vulindlela eJozi which assists young people with all types of jobs. The faith-based organisations would assist in identifying young people who would benefit from the programme.

While manager for Environmental Health for Region A, Jacques Scholtz, talked about the department’s work which involved water quality monitoring and noise control regulations. In a bid to improve relationships between churches and their neighbours, he suggested churches comply with noise level requirements.

Speaking on behalf of the region’s Bylaw Management Unit, Metro police’s Chief Superintendent Nico Olivier warned, “Some churches have a tendency to invade privately- or council-owned land. Metro police will take down any structures that are put up without permission from the Johannesburg Property Company.”

Other presentations were made by Social Development Departments, Revenue Shared Services Centre and Johannesburg Property Company.

For more information go to www.joburg.org.za

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