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30 October 2008

The rural community of Silindile at Lothair in the Msukaligwa municipality in Mpumalanga will come face to face with government leaders during this year's Imbizo focus week. Over the past few years government has used imbizo as a catalyst and platform to interact with communities in an unmediated way.

The imbizo which will bring together government leaders to the people seeks to advance the implementation of government programmes to create a better life for all the people. Member of Executive Council (MEC) for Local Government and Housing, Candith Mashego-Dlamini, Msukaligwa Executive Mayor, Councillor Bheki Vilakazi and their management are to get first hand information on the welfare of the community.

The socio-economic status of the area indicated that government is making a significant impact to the community through its programmes. There is however, a need for houses and assistance in the payment of municipal services. These conditions are compounded by the non-availability of formal employment entities like factories. A portion of the community members are employed at the local paper company, SAPPI and others receive government grants. The community has, however, indicated its willingness to participate on government's agricultural development programmes like "Masibuyel Emasimini"

MEC Mashego-Dlamini will start at the Breyten Thusong Centre near Carolina and later engage in a door to door visit in a housing project at Silindile. The leaders will later converge at the local stadium where surrounding communities will take part at the imbizo scheduled as follows:

Venue: Silindile Sport Field, Lothair
Date: 3 November 2008
Time: 10h00

Other government departments like Labour, Agriculture, Water Affairs, Social Services and institutions like Eskom will also take part to tackle the questions from the public. The province's renowned gospel star, Donny Ngwenyama and local artists will entertain the crowds.

This year's theme is "It is time, make a difference".

Contact:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Freddy Ngobe
Cell: 082 859 4630

Issued by: Department of Local Government and Housing, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
30 October 2008