Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Zweli Mkhize has called on office bearers to improve relations with local communities, and by so doing avoid unnecessary social tensions.
Mkhize was addressing congregants of the United Congregational Church at Magabheni, south of Durban. This comes amid concern about people taking matters into their own hands – including the torching of farmhouses and sugar cane plantations at Eshowe recently.
Mkhize says office bearers must be in touch with the people they lead.
“Let’s commit ourselves that we are going to work together to fast track the service delivery to the people. We are facing challenges such as the high unemployment rates and high crime level because people have lost hope. We must face these challenges together to bring change and better life for all, so when people look back in 1994 they see the difference.”
Mkhize says at times community members get involved in the destruction of properties and strikes because of the lack of information.
The Minister has encouraged public office bearers to be in touch with the people they lead and know their needs before the situation gets out of hand.
As part of the Easter weekend celebrations, Mkhize visited the United Congregational Church at Magabheni on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast. Scores of congregants and community members were part of the service.
The message for the day was that people should not lose hope in government and have trust that things will change for the better.
Mkhize says as much as he is still new in the department he is committed to deliver. He lashed out at the public servants who do not respect the public they serve.
“As I am still new in this department I would like to take the preachers word that we must revive and reborn to be compassionate among one another. For an example those who work for government should treat people with dignity.”
Mkhize has expressed sadness that sometimes people have to embark on violent protest and burn public property before public officials listen to their plights.
He called on public servants to ensure that they explain government procedures and programmes before the situation gets out of hand.
Like Mkhize, the Easter weekend has seen many public officials visiting various areas to spread the word of hope.
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