Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane and Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane officially launched the new centre on Friday.
The Thusong Centre programme was initiated in 1999 and provides one-stop integrated community development centres where citizens can access government services.
The Presidency says this is one of the primary vehicles for the implementation of development communication and information, and to integrate government services into primarily rural communities.
While 1 227 centres have reportedly been established around the country, the Presidency says only 157 are currently operational.
Connected centre
The Mamelodi Thusong Service Centre provides services on behalf of the departments of home affairs, labour, justice, and human settlements, among others, according to the Presidency.
“Services from government agencies, such as the South African Social Security Agency, the Independent Electoral Commission and the City of Tshwane are also available.”
Presidency spokesperson Harold Maloka says this centre has Internet connectivity. State signal distributor Sentech was given funds to provide services to the Thusong Centres and connect them through its National Wholesale Broadband Network.
Government access
The Department of Public Service and Administration previously said it was attempting to move 100 services online by 2014.
Former deputy public service and administration minister, now current minister of communications, Roy Padayachie said the department aimed to develop a prototype to e-enable six online services to benefit the poor.
These include ID applications, birth registrations, foster care grants, pension applications, maintenance, and notification of death.
Padayachie emphasised the department's commitment to e-government services and said the six service initiatives will be delivered in partnership with the State IT Agency.
He added that government's vision was to provide every citizen with access to information and services within their place of residence and in each local municipality by 2014.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Farzana Rasool
Quelle/Source: ITWeb, 15.11.2010
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