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24 March 2009

Premier Sogoni addressed a crowd of about 2 000 people on Friday 20 March at Burgersdorp during the launch of the Thusong Services Centre. In his address the Premier urged people of Gariep Municipality to make use of the centre as it will not only provide the services but also all the necessary information that might be needed for economic development in that area. Premier Sogoni announced that there will be departments like Office of The Premier, Social Development, Home Affairs, Health, South African Police Service (SAPS) and Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) to provide services and information about bursaries and entrepreneurship opportunities to at the centre. The Premier also made mention of the tele-centre with computers and internet that will assist students in research and school assignments.

Sogoni said: “I urge you to use all the facilities in the centre for things that include job seeking and knowledge.” Sogoni said the government is fulfilling its commitment of bringing services closer to the people. “Travelling long distances to access government services will be something of the past now, as you are going to get services in one building.” said Premier Sogoni.

The Thusong Service Centres formerly known as (Multi Purpose Community Centres) programme of government was initiated in 1999 to extend services of government, in an integrated manner, closer to outlying areas where people live. Primarily, the focus was on rural and under serviced communities, with the aim of addressing the historical factors limiting citizens to access government services and information. In 2005 Cabinet approved a strategy which seeks to establish one Thusong Service Centre per local municipality by 2014.

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
24 March 2009
Source: Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecprov.gov.za)