Mangaung, Free State – Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms Pinky Kekana, says her unannounced oversight visits to government frontline service points in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality will lead to tangible improvements in public service delivery.
As the National District Development Model (DDM) Champion for Mangaung, Deputy Minister Kekana visited key service facilities including the Charlotte Maxeke Treatment Centre in Botshabelo, the local industrial area, and a cluster of service centres in Thaba Nchu. These visits form part of the government’s drive to implement the DDM – a model aimed at improving integrated service delivery across all spheres of government.
Accompanied by Mangaung Executive Mayor, Cllr Gregory Nthatisi, and Free State MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Moses Ketso Makume, the Deputy Minister assessed facility conditions, monitored service impact, and listened to citizens’ experiences and challenges.
“At every service point, we listen to our people and take their frustrations seriously,” said Deputy Minister Kekana. “Through these DDM-based oversight visits, we identify gaps and drive urgency in resolving them. This is how we intend to improve the quality of public services.”
A key concern raised was the temporary closure of the Charlotte Maxeke Treatment Centre due to electricity issues. The Deputy Minister assured the community that repairs are underway and the centre will soon reopen with dignity and improved capacity.
Centre Manager Dithuso Monare confirmed the facility supports up to 40 clients in various rehabilitation programmes and has had success in reducing relapse rates. “Despite the closure, efforts are underway to restore power and repair our generator so we can resume operations,” she said.
MEC Makume highlighted that the DDM ensures better coordination, resource pooling, and accountability in service delivery. “It prevents duplication and promotes collective responsibility, helping us deliver projects more efficiently and cost-effectively,” he said.
Executive Mayor Nthatisi also commended the impact of DDM: “We’ve had service delivery challenges, but the DDM intervention is already showing results. Collaboration across government is key.”
The DDM moves beyond voluntary alignment of plans between the three government spheres, instead ensuring joint action, spatial integration, and shared accountability in development planning and implementation.
Deputy Minister Kekana confirmed she will return to Mangaung in October to follow up on progress.
