In the spirit of improving service delivery to address the needs of citizens, the Public Service Commission (PSC) held a Citizens’ Forum in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality at Nqwathi Village, ward 17 on 30 March 2023.
The forum was aimed at ensuring that services are rendered to the public and that trust is improved between government and citizens. Speaking at the event, Commissioner Fikeni mentioned that there were high levels of crime in the area of Nqwathi, in particular, stock theft and murder. He further said, the Eastern Cape Province is the 9th province they are visiting promoting democracy, honesty and openness.
In his welcoming remarks, MMC for Budget & Treasury Office, Cllr. Zukisa Gana, standing in for the Executive Mayor alluded to the status of some roads in the province, as well as the increase in violent crime. However, he did assure the public of KSD Municipality’s commitment to serve communities with dignity, job creation and to ensure that levels of poverty are brought to an all-time low.
This well organized and successful event was also graced by the Office the Premier. Addressing the crowd on behalf of the Office Premier, MEC for CoGTA, Hon. Zolile Williams said, “As the province, we are committed to fighting crime, we appeal to communities to form Policing Forums and work hand in hand with the Police to alleviate crime. We are also exploring the idea of incorporating Policing Forums into EPWP”, concluded the MEC, to a loud cheer from the crowd. He also condemned Gender based Violence & Femicide while mentioning that in the last two quarters, the unemployment rate had dropped in the province.