The premier of the Free State, Mxolisi Dukwana, held an imbizo in Bothaville to hear first-hand the grievances and challenges faced by the communities of all the towns in Lejweleputswa.
Present at the imbizo on Friday, 6 October, was the executive mayor of Lejweleputswa, Veronica Ntakumbana, and the MECs and HODs of all government departments. Each answered questions relevant to their area of expertise.
Poor service delivery was one of the most contentious points, along with poor health-care services.
Residents of the Nala Municipality asked about financial support for the old age home. There were also questions about financial support for small businesses in the different communities.
One resident mentioned that the Vaal Rock Clinic in Brandfort is the only operating clinic, where the elderly queue from 04:00 until 16:00 for service.
Mathabo Leeto, MEC for Health, told the community that a clinic had been burned during one of their strikes and now Vaal Rock is swamped. She said there were plans underway to restore the clinic.
Leeto also touched on the shortage of medication at hospitals and clinics, adding that she would make a personal visit to sort this out..
“Let us work together. Do not burn clinics; they are for you at the community. For chronic medication, people can now fill in forms at their nearest clinic to get their medication delivered. This will avoid long queues, especially for the old people,” said Leeto.
Dr Mbulelo Nokwequ, HOD for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (Destea), encouraged people with businesses to keep applying for financial support.
“Your businesses will assist the government in fighting unemployment,” he said.
There were government information stalls outside the venue on Friday to assist people with fund applications, and staff helped with feedback.
Youths from different agricultural groups told the premier that they did not have animal technicians, so they cannot get help in controlling or detecting diseases that can be spread from animals.
“We need assistance,” they pleaded.
Motshidisi Koloi, MEC for Social Development, told residents that the department assists those affected by gender-based violence (GBV). She said there were rehabilitation centres, and encouraged men to speak up about abuse.
“You are silently affected and need to be heard.”
Dukwana highlighted challenges raised by government of people who want tenders, but lack the skill to do the job.
“Do not apply for tenders to jobs you do not have skills for.”
He also said poor service delivery was caused by government being invaded by people who did not want to lead.
Dukwana announced that the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe) was back this year. He said Macufe had initially been started to provide a platform for talented youth in the Free State.
“We want to develop a support system for the talented youth, and provide them with workshops.”
