NGOs and stakeholders meet for community development
The purpose of the meeting was to map out future community events as well as ongoing projects.
NGOs and stakeholders in Zandspruit started community talks on November 17 at Emthonjeni community centre. The purpose of the meeting was to map out future community events as well as ongoing projects.
Newly elected ward councillor, Tebogo Mangena said it was important that stakeholders understand their roles to spread information that helps people in the community. “We need to operate as a united group. Service delivery also includes the distribution of information. We need to work together and enhance communication.”
Some of the concerns the residents brought forth were around the struggle to apply for IDs and birth certificates. “There is never any sincerity with a lot of these initiatives,” residents said in unison.
Lehasa Lekalakala from the Department of Home Affairs put some of those issues to rest. He acknowledged that many residents did have IDs or birth certificates, something they noticed during the recent election season. “We will host open days and have people available to assist with applications. There will be a committee so that people can apply for IDs, passports and birth certificates all in one place without having to travel far out. There needs to be communication in the community so that residents know when these days are going to be taking place and they can come out in their numbers instead of just assisting a handful of people. “
Residents agreed that they would also like to see the Departments of Community Safety and Social Development come to the table and become visible in Zandspruit.
Mthetho Gqongo said they plan on having a candle-lit night on December 1 to honour and remember the lives lost to Covid-19, gender-based violence and HIV/Aids. “We are also planning many projects around road safety, particularly on Marina Drive. We plan on starting a petition to raise speed awareness and other challenges of road safety.”
