Cape Town Mayor tackles service delivery in vulnerable communities

In an ongoing effort to enhance service delivery in vulnerable communities, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, in collaboration with various government departments and non-profit organisations, hosted a service blitz at Thusong Hall in Tafelsig on Wednesday, August 13.

The service blitz is part of a monthly initiative to consolidate services in a single location, making it more accessible and addressing challenges particularly affecting these communities.

The focus of the initiative is on empowering young people and other vulnerable groups by bringing essential services directly to their neighbourhoods. A range of government departments, including Home Affairs, the South African Social Security Agency, the Department of Labour, Health, and the City of Cape Town, as well as non-profit organisations and financial institutions, were present.

While many residents thought the blitz was a success, some expressed concerns, suggesting that it was merely a political campaign ahead of next year’s elections.

Resident Joan Daniel said she was grateful for the initiative.

“This should happen all the time in Lentegeur. Remember, there is a huge number of unemployed people here, hence the crime. But having said that, I am happy with what the mayor has done. We cannot afford to travel far to access these services. I am truly grateful,” she said.

The hall was abuzz with residents seeking assistance for various issues. Another resident, Moniqu Jaanson, said it was important to have services closer to the community.

“Bringing services closer to people makes a huge difference. If we look at the unemployment rate in our areas, we can all agree that there should be offices within each community. I am happy that they came today, and I must say, they are very helpful,” said Ms Jaanson.

However, not everyone was satisfied. Michael Petrus, who was unable to receive the help he needed, expressed frustration.

“It is useless for these services to come if they cannot resolve our concerns,” he said.

Accompanied by his wife, Mr Petrus said there was an ongoing issue with sewerage at his son’s house, adding that the City has failed to address it for years.

“Why are they here if they cannot give me a solution? They keep saying it will be solved, but it has been six years now. We came here to get a solution. To say the City works for you, but the same City is not doing that is criminal,” he said.

Another resident, who only wanted to be known as Mahomed, accused the mayor of using the blitz as a political tool ahead of the elections.

“Have you asked him why he is so concerned now when we have been struggling here and unemployed? It is because he sees that next year there are elections. These people are clever; they know when to play the right card. But it is good that services are here. People should use this opportunity to get whatever they need,” he said.

Another satisfied resident, Oswald Leupoor, came for a dustbin and received it immediately. He said that if the government could continue hosting such service delivery blitzes regularly, communities would begin to see positive changes.

“Look, we need these services, but they are far from us. The reason we think that the government is doing nothing for the poor is that we cannot afford to travel to town.”

Mr Hill-Lewis denounced the notion that he only visits communities when elections are approaching. Speaking to the Plainsman, he said: “Those who are true will know that for the past three and a half years, I have always been in the communities.”