Submitted by Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality
Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality is concerned about the state of health among residents within its borders.
At the centre of its concern lies teenage pregnancy and continuing HIV/Aids infection among people at tender ages.
This municipality is fortunate to have a vibrant service delivery mechanism in the form of Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) under the Championship of Mayor Councillor Jabulile Mbele. This people-centered structure takes services to the people on a monthly basis to different wards following its activity plan.
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The month of February is dedicated to awareness on safe sex and environmental hygiene.
In this instance, all government departments, civil organisations and other social partners conducted an outreach program that took place at the Zwelisha Community Hall in Ward 15 on February 20. Mr VT Nkabinde, the OSS Chairperson, levelled the arena for other government departments on the purpose of taking government departments to the people as part of the solution towards fighting two major issues that plague society namely: poverty and social ills.
The role of war rooms was also clearly elucidated to the people in attendance, that councillors are strategically placed to make sure that communities access such structures at all times to get assistance. The departments Health, Home Affairs, Social Development, South African Social Security Agency, Education and Agriculture and Rural Development were part of this program, which was a runaway success.
The Mayor, in her keynote address, unambiguously touched on the importance of the youth setting goals and avoiding detours that lead them astray.
The issue of abstinence and protection was heavily emphasised in her speech as the communities’ look up to the youth as prospective leaders to take over the baton in moving the country forward.
Older people were also encouraged to go back to basics and raise children in a manner that will make them responsible citizens in future.
Taking care of the environment is one aspect that is a cause for concern. The Mayor urged people to take care of nature and the environment because it responds to how it is treated. Illegal dumping leads to soil, water and air pollution and was also highly discouraged, since these also cause health hazards.
“Prevention is better than cure,” Mrs Mbele stressed.
Urging people to register for the 2019 general elections before the proclamation of the closing date by the State President, she directed people to the Independent Electoral Commission offices in Estcourt.
Ward 15 Councillor PT Dubazane was thankful to the Mayor, government departments and the OSS team for bringing this program to the ward.
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