The Minister of Communications, Ms Faith Muthambi, has urged communities around the Vhembe region in Limpopo to make use of the government’s initiatives and interact with the government about the challenges they face with service delivery.

She opened the national imbizo focus week during a ceremony at the old parliamentary buildings last Sunday.

“Government feels that it is imperative to interact with people and listen to their concerns and views. We are calling on people to tell us their concerns and suggestions. It is our duty as government to ensure that citizens have access to government,” said Muthambi.

“We visited a project where I was personally able to assess first-hand the progress in the implementation of the work of the government through its programmes and policies. We saw Da U Vhone Primary Cooperative, which makes polish and grows vegetables. This project is critical as the government sees food security and small entrepreneurial activities as critical in sustaining local economic development,” she added.

Muthambi mentioned that the adoption of an imbizo approach was testimony to the government’s commitment to transparency and accountable service delivery. "People can voice their concerns, opinions and suggestions to their representatives, whom they elected into office."

Prior to the launch, Muthambi and local councillors interacted with the Thohoyandou community. Muthambi also told councillors and mayors to help in speeding up service delivery to poor communities.

The chairperson of the South African National Civic Association (Sanco), Ms Magdalene Netshiavha, urged communities to make use of the opportunities to address their concerns.