04a / Laingsburg Thusong: Part 1

The implementation of the Thusong Service Centre Program by government can be regarded as one of the great success stories, of bringing Information and Integrated Services closer to the people, especially in rural areas where communities are far from these services. Already the Laingsburg Thusong Service Centre has changed the lives of many in the community, as service delivery is now on their doorstep and they just need to access it. There is no need for communities to travel far distances out of town to access government and non-government services, as they can get what they need at the Laingsburg Thusong Service Centre.

The fact that our community has welcomed the Service Centre in their midst as a Centre that was long overdue and the fact that they have taken ownership of it, makes it easier to work with each other in building and developing a better tomorrow for all our people. Whatever may be said of poverty, the fact remains that it is not possible to live a really complete or successful life, unless one is rich. The fight against poverty, unemployment and sustainable economic development, will always be a challenge, but with the right attitude, willingness and resources available, it can and will be addressed.

There are still many challenges and struggles ahead, but as our great leader Mr. Nelson Mandela said: “If you can’t complete the struggle for a better life for all citizens, do not be part of it”.

As a community with a Thusong Service Centre, we appreciate and welcome our Service Centre very much and have to thank Cabinet and the Government for choosing Laingsburg as one of the places where a Service Centre had to be build. I don’t think Government ever realizes the huge impact these Service Centres have in communities and how lives had been changed. We thank you for “A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN GET HELPED”.

1. ABOUT THUSONG SERVICE CENTRES

1.1 Programme Initiation
The Thusong Service Centres program was initiated in 1999 to extend services of government, in an integrated manner, closer to where people live. Primarily, the focus was on rural and under serviced communities with the aim of addressing the historical factors limiting citizens in accessing government services. The first generation Thusong Service Centres targeted one centre in each district municipality by December 2004. Sixty five Centre’s were established by December 2004 (and subsequently a further 19 were set-up, bringing the total to 84) with more than 600 services provided in areas that were not previously serviced. To date a total of 87 Centres have been built and are operational. A further roll - out of second generation Centres in each local municipality is targeted by 2014.

1.2 Rationale for Development of Thusong Service Centres
The rationale for Thusong Service Centres is set within the development communication paradigm. This paradigm reflects a democratic approach to a public communication and information system, as it aims to put the information needs of citizen first in the communication process. A high premium is placed on the introduction of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) within communities. The primary focus is development communication and information that will empower the poor and the disadvantaged. Thusong Service Centres are viewed as a means to operationalise the development communication approach as well as address information and service imbalances at local level, by bringing government closer to the people.

2. SERVICES TO BE RENDERED

Batho Pele Principles serves as the foundation for service delivery within the public sector. They serve as a cornerstone for a better life for all the people of South Africa, by putting people first. The principles were developed to serve as an acceptable policy and legislative framework regarding service delivery in the public service. These principles are aligned with the Constitutional ideals of:

* Providing services impartially, fairly, equitably and without bias,
* Promoting and maintaining high standards of professional ethics,
* Responding to people’s needs ,
* Rendering an accountable, transparent, and development-oriented public administration.

These principles are based on the Batho Pele Principles of:

* Consultation
* Setting service standards
* Increasing access to public services
* Ensuring courtesy
* Providing information
* Openness and transparency
* Redress
* Value for money

3. VALUES

THUSONG SERVICE CENTRES rest on the following core values:

• Development which puts the people first.
• Excellent service to the community above all else.
• Equipping people to contribute to their own and the nation’s growth and development.
• Building relationships with various stakeholders to promote integrated delivery of services,
• Using appropriate technology for community development.
• Encouraging community participation.

4. WHO RUNS A THUSONG SERVICE CENTRE?

A THUSONG SERVICE CENTRE is run by a Centre Manager assisted by support staff, (administrator, general workers, etc)

BACKGROUND
The community of Laingsburg identified the need for a multi-purpose community centre in the early 1990’s and through the assistance of the Municipality of Laingsburg finally started realizing this dream in 2002 when the municipality secured funding through the Provincial Department of Social Services and ESKOM. The initial step was to identify all the various stakeholders and to identify a piece of land.

SITE CONFIRMED
During 2003 a consultant team was appointed, a project management committee was elected and the site confirmed. This was an exciting step forward as only now could the real planning process start.

DESIGN
The project management committee in an initial brain storming session identified the following aspects, which they wanted incorporated into the design of the multi-purpose centre.
• The Fauna and flora of the region
• The geological aspects
• The flood of 1981
• The windmill which symbolizes the Karoo
• The giant water scorpion, which was discovered by paleontologist John Arnord who discovered the ancient creatures track way around the mountains of Laingsburg.
• The train, which was originally the reason for the town’s existence.
• The trainees who had been trained in learning welding skills
A helicopter, as this was part of the flood memory.

CURRENT STATUS

The first and second phase of the multi-purpose community centre building was completed in 2005. This includes offices, workshops, a hall, kitchen, an emergency rescue facility and train truck. As soon as funding become available, phase three, an Early Learning Centre and Training Centre will be completed.

CONCLUSION

The success of the Laingsburg Thusong Service Centre lies within the dedication and passion that the energetic staff contributes in their work. The fact that the community has welcomed this Service Centre, as a place where you really can get helped, further contribute to our vision of a Service Centre for all.

This is what makes us the number one Service Centre in the Central Karoo!!!

04b /Laingsburg Thusong: Part 2

The Thusong Service Centre renders services around a 6 block model

MODULE 1. GOVERNMENT SOCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

GOVERNMENT SERVICES

DEPARTMENT SOCIAL DEVELOMENT
Services - Social, probation, substance abuse, sustainable livelihood, etc.
Office hours: 07h30 - 16h00 Mondays - Fridays
Also after hour & emergency services

DEPARTMENT HOME AFFAIRS
Services - Access to official personal documents, birth, marriage certificates, etc.
Office hours: 07h30 – 16h00 Mondays to Fridays

DEPARTMENT HEALTH – EMS
Services - Emergency Medical Response (ambulances)
Office hours: 24 hour service. Monday-Sunday

SOUTH AFRICAN SOSIAL SECURITY AGENCY (SASSA)
Services - Applications for social grants
Office hours: 07h30-16h00 . 5 days per month

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Services -Government information and on-site guidance regarding services to be rendered at Thusong Service Centres. Satellite service

DEPARTMENT CULTURAL AFFAIRS & SPORT
Services – Promotion, assistance and training in different cultural activities. Satellite service

DEPARTMENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM
Services – Economic development services and training. Satellite service

NON-GOVERNMENTAL / NGO SERVICES

VGK HOME BASED CARE
Services - Assist with medical issues at homes of patients who can’t attend hospital/clinic, referrals and assistance with handling of medication of patients.
Office hours: 08h00 – 13h00 Mondays - Fridays

BLACK ASSOCIATION OF THE WINE & SPIRITS INDUSTRY (BAWSI)
Services – Free assistance and advice to disadvantaged people with the main focus on farm workers. Office hours: 08h00-16h00 Mondays – Fridays

CHILD WELFARE SA
Services - Child protection, foster care and family re-unification, elderly care, HIV/AIDS Awareness programs
Office hours: 08h00-16h00 Mondays - Fridays

FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNITY WORK (FCW)
Services – ECD assistance to families to assist children at home not attending pre-school
Office hours: 09h00-13h00 Mondays - Fridays

LAINGSBURG CULTURAL FORUM
Established in 2009, the main objective of this Forum is to create the environment for members of the community to develop and better their living conditions through different genres of art and culture.

THUSONG SERVICES

OFFICE OF THE CENTRE MANAGER
Office hours: 07h30 – 16h15 Mondays - Fridays

GENERAL SERVICE COUNTER
Services – Providing governmental and non-governmental information to communities through telephone, fax and internet. Distribution of governmental and non-governmental information magazines, books, pamphlets, posters, etc. Office hours: 07h30 - 16h15 Mondays – Fridays

COMPUTER CENTRE
Services – Providing of computer training to members of the community
Office hours: 07h30 - 16h15 Mondays – Fridays

LAINGSBURG COMMUNITY GYMNASIUM
Services – fitness training program and equipment available to community
Office hours: 10h00 – 19h00 Mondays - Fridays

LAINGSBURG FEEDING SCHEME
Services – Preparing and provision of a meal a day to unemployed members of the community
Mondays – Fridays Office hours: 08h00-16h00

LAINGSBURG COMMUNITY CLOTHING UNIT
Services – Collecting and distribution of clothing items to needy and unemployed members of the community
Mondays – Fridays Office hours: 08h00-16h00

MODULE 2: OFFICE SERVICES
Our office service is currently available at our General Service Counter and includes services to the community, organizations and businesses. Services rendered are access to faxes, telephones, computers, photo stats, prints, business plans, proposals, etc.

MODULE 3: EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

MODULE 4: LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

MODULE 5: BUSINESS OPERTUNITIES AND SERVICES
Current projects includes: Cement Product Manufacturing. Clothing Manufacturing, Coffin Manufacturing, Upholstery Work & Repairs, Wendy house Manufacturing

MODULE 6: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES
• General Service Counter
The providing of proper and correct Information to the community and visitors plays a big role at our Service Centre. Whenever a person enters our Service Centre for Information, advice or help, we try our best to assist or direct that person, so that the correct service/s can be access. Every person visiting our Service Centre will be helped and properly served, irrespective of your circumstances or who you are. Services – Providing of all governmental and non-governmental information needed. Providing of magazines – Vuku’zenzela, Program of Action, Imbizo Junction, etc. Providing of pamphlets, news letters, posters, etc Door to door campaigns and marketing of our Service Centre. Office hours: 08h00 – 16h30 Mondays - Fridays.