Segoati Mahlangu
The Public Service Commission (PSC) Citizens’ Forum event took place on Friday 03 March 2023 at Mapela Stadium, Mogalakwena Municipality. This follows an engagement session with the communities which was held on 14 February 2023 wherein representatives from communities were invited to present service delivery challenges. Various sector department and other stakeholders took note of specific issues relevant to their respective mandates in that session.
Amongst dignitaries in attendance at the event was the Chairperson of the Commission Prof. Somadoda Fekeni, PSC Commissioners, Premier of Limpopo Chupu Mathabatha, MECs, Kgoshi HM Langa II, Traditional leaders, Acting Waterberg District Executive Mayor, Mogalakwena Municipality Mayor, Councillors, Provincial Government DG and SAPS Provincial Commissioner.
MECs Nkakare Rakgoale, Mavhungu Lerule-Makhanya and Thabo Mokone
Speaking at the event Prof. Fekeni indicated that the PSC is constitutionally mandated to promote the democratic values and principles set out in section 195 of the constitution and to promote measures to ensure effective and efficient performance throughout the Public Service. This is done through regular inspection and evaluation of departments as well as through hosting citizen engagement forums. He encouraged department to be honest when responding to service delivery questions from communities.
Responding to issues raised by the community relating to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Waterberg District Director, Segoati Mahlangu explained the role of the Department in supporting agricultural cooperatives; agricultural activities taking place in the area and future plans for the area, more so that primary infrastructure for red meat development has been already constructed. An appeal was made to the community not to vandalise the infrastructure but to protect it. He further indicated that the department will be conducting awareness sessions to ensure that livestock in the area is brand marked to prevent stock theft. He was accompanied by Sgqibo Mfuywa, Director of DALRRD PSSC based in Waterberg, who responded to issues relating to the land leased to the mine. He informed the gathering that the community was fully involved when a lease agreement was signed with Anglo Platinum on farm Overysel 815 LR. A community trust was established, and the community was compensated accordingly through the trust.
In his address the Premier of Limpopo indicated that the private sector can only invest in communities if they see commitment to clean governance by authorities at all levels of government. He indicated that the provincial government is committed to improving corporate governance and financial administration in Limpopo in order to attract investments to assist in development in the area. Adverse and disclaimer audit opinions are things of the past, he said. Focusing on traditional leadership and governance, the Premier appealed to traditional leadership to try and settle disputes and differences out of the courts especially on issues relating to leadership succession. He indicated that in terms of traditional customs such issues should be attended to by the traditional councils.
Sector departments and other relevant institutions showcased their services and provided services on site during the event.
