Soweto residents benefit from government outreach programme
Several government departments joined forces in Soweto to bring essential services and information directly to the community.
Residents accessed essential services and information from multiple government departments during the Minister’s flagship outreach programme in Soweto Pimville.
Residents gathered at Mdelwane Hlongwane Primary School, Pimville, to access a range of government services during the flagship outreach programme led by acting Minister of Social Development, Sindisiwe Chikunga, on June 15.
Various government entities, including SASSA, Home Affairs, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Employment and Labour, and the Department of Health, were present to assist community members, particularly the elderly.
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It all started with SASSA officials helping seniors in their social grant applications and also educating them about some difficulties they may face and how to overcome them.
The residents were allowed to pose some questions, which were addressed by various departmental officials.
Chikunga was welcomed by a big crowd. She highlighted the importance of the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising.
“Today we celebrate a golden jubilee, marking 50 years since the Soweto Uprising. That is why we are in Soweto today.
“We came home to remember Tsietsi Mashinini, Sibongile Mkhabela, Seth Mazibuko, Hector Pieterson, Mbuyisa Makhubo and Solomon Mahlangu, among many others who fought for freedom,” she said.
She reminded attendees that South Africa’s freedom came at a great cost.
“Freedom in South Africa did not come on a silver platter. People died for the freedom we enjoy today,” she said.
As future plans, Chikunga confirmed that the Digital Economy Youth Empowerment Programme will commence in July. This programme seeks to train young individuals in the skills of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and robotics.
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According to her, those who participate in the training will get employed through a partnership with several firms. Chikunga also revealed that some participants may receive opportunities to further their studies in Canada.
This outreach programme demonstrated the government’s initiative in engaging with the community and creating employment opportunities for both older and younger generations.
