The Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) directorate in Region F is hosting a series of multi-disciplinary open days to engage with various stakeholders and facilitate the logging and swift resolution of service complaints. Accompanying these open days is a public education and awareness campaign on municipal services, reflecting the City’s commitment to improving service delivery.

The inaugural open day took place at the Yeoville Clinic, where various departments and entities interacted with the community on issues related to service delivery. Representatives from several departments were present, including Revenue Services, the Joburg Ombudsman, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, City Power, Joburg Water, Ward Governance Sports and Recreation, and Social Development.

The second open day was hosted at the Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg, drawing increased participation from City departments such as Group Forensic and Investigative Services (GFIS), the Department of Health, Pikitup, Economic Development, and the Gauteng Provincial Association for people living with disabilities.

Derick Padayachee, a resident of Region F, expressed his concerns about hijacked buildings and issues of overcrowding and illegal waste dumping in the area.

Padayachee acknowledged reporting the matter to the City on multiple occasions and was grateful for the opportunity to escalate the issue with GFIS and the Ombudsman during the open day.

He hopes to receive assistance soon.

“All we ask is service delivery, and we expect our queries to be addressed promptly. We are glad to see City officials bringing services to the community.”

​Kokela Silimela, the Deputy Director of CRUM in Region F, emphasised that these public engagements play a crucial role in strengthening the relationship between the City and the people.

“They provide a platform for communities to share their lived experiences and guide municipal interventions,” Silimela said.

She believes public education and community engagement are essential for ensuring the sustainability of municipal interventions.

During the open day, the Department of Public Safety launched a winter risk awareness campaign focused on disaster management in Region F.

CRUM plans to extend these multi-disciplinary open days to all wards in the region, with the ongoing objective of mobilising resources, coordinating public education, and conducting community outreach activities in collaboration with various City departments and entities.

Written by Dudu Lushaba

01/06/2023