Gauteng MEC for Social Development Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko collaborated with the Emfuleni Local Municipality to host a service delivery event at Evaton Mall on April 17.

The campaign is a key component of the Township, Informal Settlements, and Hostels (TISH) programme, intended to improve access to essential services for vulnerable individuals and families.

The blitz provided a one-stop shop, bringing together various government departments such as the SASSA, Department of Employment and Labour, Home Affairs, Gauteng Department of Health, and various local NPOs under one roof.

Hundreds of Evaton residents gathered at the mall to engage directly with officials. There were also economic opportunities linking residents to youth employment services, such as Harambee and sustainable livelihood initiatives.

During the day, the Department of Employment and Labour registered job seekers onsite. The Department of Health provided health screenings and health education. Substance abuse intervention and social relief assistance were provided, and various social development programmes.

Addressing the crowd, Nkomo-Ralehoko said the integrated service delivery programme is meant to accelerate service delivery by reaching out to communities.

“Today, we have mobilised various stakeholders to close the gap in service delivery challenges in this area, and I encourage everyone to utilise this opportunity to access our services onsite”, she said.

Nkomo-Ralehoko vowed to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders to accelerate services to the people and ensure they receive the support needed to enhance their economic participation.

“I am excited that we are not doing this alone; we are working with various stakeholders, and we need to encourage others to join, and I am confident that our collaboration will have a huge impact on changing the lives of our people, especially in townships and informal settlements,” the MEC concluded.