siphelele nketo
THE local community of Ward 11 in Matatiele recently enjoyed an outreach programme at Mapfontein community hall. The purpose of the programme was making basic services accessible.
Coordinated by the Matatiele Local Municipality, the event attracted a large number of residents, filling the hall to capacity and demonstrating strong community interest in accessing government services closer to their homes.
The programme brought together several key government departments and agencies, including the SAPS, Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Basic Education. These institutions provided a wide range of services, enabling residents to interact directly with government officials without the burden of travelling long distances. Additional departments such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Department of Labour, as well as other stakeholders participated by offering information, guidance and support on available opportunities.
These engagements were aimed at empowering residents with knowledge that could help improve their livelihoods and create pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.
The presence of the Department of Home Affairs stood out as one of the most impactful aspects of the programme as many residents were assisted with identity document applications and other related services.
Resident Sandile Facu expressed his appreciation for the initiative and described it as a much-needed intervention for residents in the ward.
He explained that the community is located far from town, making access to essential services both difficult and costly.
He noted that bringing services directly to the community helped to reduce travel expenses, save time and energy, and improve access to critical support.
He also highlighted the urgent need for identity documents, especially among children, making the presence of Home Affairs particularly important.
The outreach programme came at a time when the community continues to face significant challenges, including high a unemployment rate and limited economic opportunities.
Matatiele Local Municipality mayor Patrick Stuurman emphasised that such programmes played a critical role in uplifting communities and further said that taking services to the community was key to building inclusive development and improving the quality of life.
