Rural communities in and around Madimbo are now accessing government services on their doorstep, thanks to the full operation of Madimbo Thusong Service Centre.

Situated at Madimbo village, outside Musina, the centre has now become an icon of hope to hundreds of villagers who flock to access government services on a daily basis. The coordination of the centre is a joint effort by the Limpopo Premier’s Office, the Musina Local Municipality and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

Typical services found at Madimbo Thusong Service Centre include those from the departments of Home Affairs, Local Government and Housing, Water Affairs, Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Justice, Roads and Transport, Labour, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Social Development, Musina Municipality, Government Communication and Information System, the Department of Health, agricultural extension offices, Community Development Workers, the South African Police Service, non-governmental organizations and community-based organisations.

The Thusong Service Centre programme of government was initiated in 1999 as one of the primary vehicles for the implementation of development communication and information, and to integrate government services into primarily rural communities. This was done to address historical, social and economic factors, with limited access to information, services and participation by citizens as they had to travel long distances to access these services.

Centre Coordinator Raymond Munyai said: “This Thusong Service Centre is a one-stop, integrated community development centre, with community participation and services relevant to their needs. It empowers the poor and the disadvantaged through access to information, services and resources from government, non-governmental organisations, parastatals and business - enabling communities to engage in government programmes for the improvement of their lives. The government’s vision for Thusong Service Centres is to provide every South African citizen with access to information and services within their place of residence, with the purpose of improving the quality of their lives through integrated service delivery.”

Munyai said communities got services which they were unable to obtain in the past and participated in activities that allowed for two-way communication between the government and the people. “This Thusong Service Centre is also a base from where information products and services are sent out to all local communities. Similarly, it links communities to the government’s distribution network of publications and products about government programmes and activities. Community participation events, campaigns, exhibition and road shows at this centre provide communities with information they can use to improve their lives and develop the community.”

He said the centre helped to bring government information and services closer to the people to promote access to opportunities as a basis for improved livelihoods. “Madimbo Thusong Service Centre promotes cost-effective, integrated, efficient and sustainable service provision to serve the needs of the local communities. Apart from building sustainable partnerships with government, business and civil society, the centre creates a platform for greater dialogue between citizens and government.”

Munyai urges community members to make full use of the centre because it is for their own benefit.