Post office at Thusong Centre definitely happening

Gallery

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Thusong Centre in Mossel Bay is still all about service delivery excellence.

This was at the core of an event at the centre in Adriaans Avenue on Friday, 19 November.

The centre in Mossel Bay celebrates eight years of integrated service delivery to the community. As a multipurpose centre, it houses government departments, community-based organisations and those operating in the private sector.

During last week's event, involving the stakeholders working from the centre, awards were given to those who strengthen the Mossel Bay Municipality's hand in bringing services closer to the community.

Members of the mayoral committee were among the guests.

"The centre is here to ensure fair and effective access to services. When a member of the community receives efficient service delivery, it brings joy and stress relief in terms of a problem experienced. The aim will always be to find more ways to better service delivery to all communities."

PHOTO GALLERY: Thusong Centre celebrates 8 years of service delivery

Alderman Niklaas Booisen, a member of the newly-elected mayoral committee, now serves as the portfolio chairperson for community services. Alderman Dirk Kotzè, newly elected executive mayor, previously filled this position and in his keynote speech, he lauded the Thusong Centre manager, Nombomiso Jika, for her commitment to her community in assuring it the service it deserved.

"I have learnt a lot from Mrs Jika, about having excellent relationships. What makes all the difference, is how you treat people. This is also why we have launched the Mossel Bay Cares initiative and it will be a strong guideline for the next five years."

Kotzè said working more closely with all community and religious leaders, was high on the council's agenda.

Municipal director of Community Services Elize Nel, in her description of the centre's role in the community, said that is served as an educational centre and to uplift and inspire the community.

Nomboniso Jika addresses the acting municipal manager, Colin Puren, the executive mayor of Mossel Bay, Alderman Dirk Kotzè, and the portfolio chair of community services, Alderman Niklaas Booisen. Photo: Cornelle Carstens

Post office
Kotzè also made the announcement that the new wing at the Thusong Centre, constructed at a cost of R17 million, would soon house the South African Post Office (SAPO). He said that this was yet another effort to bring much-needed services to the community. This was the outcome of a lengthy process as SAPO had to consider the cost against the backdrop of a dire financial situation.

"We have agreed to accommodate the Post Office, by offering them this building free of charge for a year, just to have them here to serve the community."

Representative of the Garden Route Casino Community Trust, Michael Carelse gave feedback on its contribution to the bus service bringing those living in rural areas in the greater Mossel Bay area to the Thusong Centre. Carelse suggested that an addition to this could be extending services to the community over weekends. In her summary on what the recipe for success at the Thusong Centre was, Jika highlighted the following: setting goals and pursuing them passionately, teamwork and perpetuating good partnerships. Jika confirmed the need for services over weekends.

In closing, member of the Mayoral Committee, Alderlady Venolea Fortuin commended the stakeholders for their cooperation to the high level of service delivery. She emphasised how vital this was to the Mossel Bay Municipality and the community it served. In doing so, she asked that a "human chain" be formed before concluding the event.

"We need one another to serve the community, just like the human chain formed here in front of me."

Stakeholders forming a human chain at the Thusong Centre to signify service delivery. Photo: Cornelle Carstens