On 20 August 2024, hundreds of residents gathered at the Barcelona Sports Complex in Etwatwa to take advantage of various government services while engaging with the Minister for Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi. This service delivery engagement was part of a series of activities leading up to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo, scheduled for 23 August 2024 in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province.

In alignment with the DDM initiative championed by the President during the Sixth Administration, Minister Buthelezi’s outreach showcased integrated service delivery, bringing together resources from all levels of government to the community.

Accompanied by the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Water and Sanitation, Cllr Ms Thembi Msane, Ward 66 Cllr Mr Mzwakhe Khumalo, and the Director General of the Department of Public Service and Administration, Ms Yoliswa Makhasi, Minister Buthelezi aimed to gain insights into the service delivery challenges faced by the Etwatwa community.

At the start of the engagement, the Minister received briefings from the Deputy Director General of the DPSA, Mr Willie Vukela, and senior managers from the Departments of Home Affairs, Water and Sanitation, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and the City of Ekurhuleni’s water division.

During face-to-face interactions with residents, Minister Buthelezi verified information from the briefings and addressed questions regarding the DPSA’s mandate within the DDM framework.

In addition, the Minister conducted an unannounced site visit to the Phillip Moyo Community Clinic in Etwatwa. He inspected the operations of the 24-hour clinic, which functions like a district hospital due to the range of services offered despite facing significant staff and space constraints.

The insights gained from this service delivery engagement in Etwatwa will be shared with the relevant ministers and will contribute to the ongoing “One District, One Plan, One Budget” implementation process.