Mixed reactions over Tshwane’s service delivery app
While the metro believes that the app will transform service delivery, residents have mixed feelings about its effectiveness.
The new Tshwane App has been met with a range of reactions from residents.
While some are optimistic about its potential to streamline service delivery and help them manage their accounts, others remain deeply sceptical, referencing past unfulfilled promises and ongoing communication issues.
The app, designed to transform service delivery in the city, was officially launched on July 10.
Before the launch, Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya said it would allow residents to log service requests, track their progress and access billing information, bringing essential services to the convenience of their fingertips.
However, not everyone is convinced the app will effectively improve service delivery issues.
Pretoria North resident Nathan Grobler expressed scepticism about the app improving service delivery.
“What difference does it make to report issues faster if Tshwane still has not addressed the existing problems?”
He shared that although they do receive acknowledgement emails and reference numbers, no action follows, and he believes the same will happen with the app.
“The app will not improve anything. Instead, it is going to create a backlog of reports that are not responded to.”
Grobler said the lack of responsiveness from the metro will likely worsen with the introduction of the app.
“When you report an issue in person, it usually does not get fixed. Just imagine how much worse that will be through a digital platform,” he said.
Tebogo Manamela from Soshanguve Block H shared that he faced struggles while trying to register on the app, expressing his doubt on its effectiveness.
“The app is not working, I could not register, although I followed all the instructions. It got stuck on invalid password,” he explained.
He believes that the existing glitches in the app indicate that it will not improve service delivery or responses from the metro.
“You will log a report thinking it went through, only to find that a glitch on the app prevented it from being submitted,” he added.
However, not all residents shared the same opinions about the app.
Bathabile Mnguni from Mamelodi said the app will make things easy for her.
“Logging reports will be easy. I won’t have to go to the municipal offices personally to report an issue. I also believe that queues at the offices will be reduced,” she said.
She praised the app for its user-friendly features in viewing accounts and managing electricity and water consumption bills.
“It will remove the burden of having to collect statements from the offices. From now on, should I need my proof of residence, I will simply download it from the app without any hassles or costs,” she said.
North resident Hellen Swarts believes that the Tshwane app could be effective if residents actively report issues.
“The WhatsApp channels have shown good results, and the app should make that even better.
“We should not be quick to judge the effectiveness of the app at the early stages,” she said.
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