By Obakeng Maje
Taung- North West Provincial Government officially launched “Bua le Puso” EXCO Programme at the Taung Taxi Rank in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District on Wednesday.

Bua-Le Puso which is loosely translated as “Speak to the government” is an initiative by EXCO led by the Premier to bring government to the people and provide direct and immediate response across all Departments to concerns that people might about government services.

North West premier Supra Mahumapelo was not present as he was in Pretoria where was expected too meet with president Jacob Zuma, however North West MEC for Rural, Environmental and Agricultural Development Manketse Tlhape said the aim of the initiative is to bringthe government to the people.

“We want to bring the government services closer to the people. We doing this because we know many people are relying on government and as Taung is one of the most backwoods areas in the province, we launched this initiative here and it will spread across the province” Tlhape said.

She said the government’s plan is to rebrand and reposition itself and entrench “Batho pele” principle.

“This is a unique initiative as we saw all MEC’s operate their Offices from the Taung Taxi rank with full support of Government machinery to offer direct response to issues communities raised” Tlhape outlines.

EXCO was accompanied by the Director-General of the Province (Prof Job Mokgoro), Heads of Departments and Senior Managers who all ran their Offices from the taxi rank to offer direct on-the spot services to the people.

However all was not cosy as some of the residents complained about bad service they experienced at various Greater Taung Municipality offices from government officials who are always rude and drag their feet in helping them.

“I am very disappointed because the government is here and encourage us to bring forward our grievances, but people who we suppose to complain about are actually the ones you find sitting there” Kealeboga Mankuroane said.

Some of the residents from Shaleng village, near Taung complained about illegal taverns that operate beyond agreed hours and Taung Police Station who is a Station Commissioner, Mothusieng Kgwenyape said the police will deal with all issues raised.

“The community raised all those issues from stock-theft and other challenges, but as they know we always meet and discuss those social issues affecting them” he outlines.

MEC Tlhape said the initiative will spread across the province and on the 17th October 2014, the premier will launch “Setsokotsane” programme in Moruleng, near Rustenburg.

“A Setsokotsane programme means whirlwind, will deal with community grievances that mostly affect the community of North West at large. We will be launching the programme on 17th October 2014 in Moruleng” she said.

A 16 year-old boy Kopano Seatla from Rooival village, in Taung was so happy after he brought his two dogs to be vaccinated. “I think this is very good for government to bring services closer to the people. My dogs will be in good health now” he said.

Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane welcomed the government initiative and said the government must adhere to the people’s grievances and make sure the service and communication run smoothly between taxpayers and government personnels.-TDN
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