Residents of the Vhembe District in Limpopo province are enjoying the benefits of being served and treated with dignity by government departments that are offering a wide range of services at Thavhani Mall in Thohoyandou town.
The Department that expanded their workplace with the view to reduce long queues at their respective offices are the Department of Home Affairs, Employment and Labour, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister, Pinky Kekana who is also in the area said: “as a caring government, we are proud to announce that we’ve being rendering services to our people at Thavhani mall regardless of their social status.
“We’ve been offering a wide range of services including Smart Card ID, access to the Home Affairs Branch Appointment Booking System, social grants and services relating to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) claims, payments, enquiries and registering employees.
“We brought all these essential services closer to our people as part of our journey to build a capable, professional, ethical, citizen-centred public service and this is part of our Integrated Public Service Month programme.
“It is important to urge our people to visit the mobile service centres at Thavhani mall where there is enough parking space.”
Government Services at Thavhani Mall
Department of Home Affairs: Smart ID first issue application, Re-issue of Smart ID, passport application, birth registration (0-30) are being printed at the spot.
Department of Employment and Labour: UIF services, registration of job seekers, assist with employment counseling, assist with CV writing, interview preparation, sharing available opportunities, assist with complaints from workplaces and compliance and injury on duty enquiries.
SASSA
Social grant application value chain from application intake to approval, customer care including R370 enquiries.
Government Employees Pension Fund
Enquiries on pensions (admission date, claims, funeral benefits, spouse pension, divorce, two-pot system as well as assistance with APP.
The NYDA
Applications for entrepreneurship training, applications for entrepreneurship pre assessment business funding, application for entrepreneurship for business vouchers such as business plans, marketing strategy, website. As well as online applications for job preparedness training and life skills training.
This month, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has been visiting various communities across the country to monitor and evaluate service delivery at frontline services.
Deputy Minister Kekana is attending the 24th annual South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) conference currently taking place in Thohoyandou.
The conference brought together senior government leaders, researchers, scholars, policy makers and experts in public administration under one roof.
The SAAPAM conference will wrap up with on Friday, September 26, 2025, with the Batho Pele Walkie Talkie.
The Batho Pele Walkie Talkie to be led by Deputy Minister Kekana, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Thulamela Mayor, Cllr Sarah Rammbuda is scheduled to start at Thohoyandou stadium at 7:00 to three identified sites.
The three identified sites are:
• Thohoyandou Health Centre.
• Thohoyandou Child and Youth Centre.
• Fulufhelo Special School.
At the three identified sites, the government leaders, public servants, researchers, scholars, policy makers, citizens will participate in one of the following:
• Painting
• De-bushing
• Cleaning activities
• Planting of vegetables
Delivery of refurbished beds, new bedding sheets, educational toys, refurbishment of sporting fields and installing palisades fences.
Deputy Minister Kekana said: “this is no ordinary walk…it is a journey of solidarity, taking us to schools, youth centres, and health facilities here in Thohoyandou.
“It is about rolling up our sleeves, cleaning, painting, de-bushing, and showing that the theory of public administration must always meet the practice of public service.
“We walk not only for fitness, but for connection, not only for wellness, but for service.”
