DSD taking services to the “doorstep” of the people of Central Karoo
The Western Cape Government is always looking for ways to improve service delivery, especially when it comes to services for vulnerable residents.
On 09 October 2024, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, launched the Provincial Department of Social Development’s mobile office in Nelspoort, in the Central Karoo. He was joined by Provincial Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku.
This is the first DSD office on wheels in the province and South Africa.
The Mobile Office has all the features of a “regular” office, but it can also travel from one area to another – taking the services to the doorstep of citizens. This unit will serve the people of the Central Karoo, moving from one town to the next, and will bolster DSD services in farming communities.
Residents of this region will thus have better access to DSD services such as psychosocial support and protection services offered by DSD.
Some of the features which enable for the provision of professional services include:
- Two secure rooms (for social workers to conduct confidential interviews with clients);
- Storage space;
- Sheltered outside area;
- Power by inverters, allowing DSD staff to take the office anywhere, without placing a burden on a municipality’s energy network.
“Thank you to DSD for choosing to launch its first mobile office in Nelspoort. It will be hugely beneficial for the farming communities in the Central Karoo. We can also discuss how we can combine this office with the mobile health services in the region. I hope that together we can build on today's launch for the benefit of communities,” said Beaufort West Mayor Josias Reynolds.
Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku, said: “As the Western Cape Mobility Department, we are proud to contribute to the expansion of vital services in the Central Karoo through this state-of-the-art mobile office. For many people in rural areas, accessing government services can be both costly and challenging due to travel constraints. This mobile office is not just a vehicle; it’s a lifeline for communities that need it the most. By bringing social development services directly to communities, we are helping to remove barriers and ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to essential support. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating more connected and inclusive communities throughout the Western Cape”.
Provincial Minister Londt encouraged residents to take ownership of the facility:
“This Mobile Office may be owned by the Western Cape Government, but it is the residents who should take ownership of it. From Nelspoort to Merweville to Roggeveld, as far as the Central Karoo stretches, this facility will go there. I’m happy officials from the municipalities like Mayor Reynolds also attended the launch, showing their support and willingness to take hands with DSD. I encourage residents in this region to work with DSD to ensure this facility continues to service communities for many years. I am hopeful this unit will assist in changing many lives for the better, with the help of Central Karoo’s people,” said Provincial Minister Londt.
DSD plans on rolling out more of these offices in the near future, to ensure services reach residents living in the furthest corners of the Western Cape.
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Media Enquiries:
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer: Ministry
Department of Social Development