The Taking Legislature to the People (TLP) programme is gaining momentum as it reaches to its end. It started with a public hearing by the joint economic and social cluster committees at the Mandla Magudulela stadium on Tuesday September 10.
The Speaker of the Mpumalanga Legislature, Lindi Masina officially declared the Mandla Magudulela stadium as the precinct of the Legislature according to the dictates of the Constitution and the applicable rules.

The Chief Whip of the majority party, Eva Makhabane introduced all the participants representing various structures.
On welcoming the participants, the Executive Mayor, Cllr Ngilosi Ndlovu, invited all the people of Mkhondo to fully and meaningfully participate in the programme. She applauded the Mpumalanga Legislature for bringing the representatives of the people to interact with them as they continue to accelerate service provisioning.

The Speaker of the Mpumalanga Legislature outlined the purpose of the TLP as a platform to allow government to give feedback on the deliverables since the last TLP in 2012; the various State of the Province Addresses (SOPAs); the State of the District Addresses (SODAs); State of the Municipality Addresses (SOMAs); the Integrated Developmental Programmes (IDPs) and many other developmental programmes.

The Members of the Executive Council (MECs) were given an opportunity to provide feed-back on the work that has been done to-date. The MEC for Human Settlements; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and who is also the Leader of Government Business, Speedy Mashilo giving feed-back on progress, mentioned that whilst many people of Mkhondo needed houses, some only need land to build houses for themselves. He indicated that some land has been developed and serviced for habitation. He also reported that there are some houses that have been built for those who cannot afford. As he was giving the feed-back, the MEC also provided details on the exact areas and figures.

The MEC for Health, Sasekani Manzini started off by encouraging the community to lead healthy lifestyles by always going to the health care centres to check their status as part of prevention. She also gave feed-back around the clinics that are there in the Mkhondo Local municipality, their location, patient’s intake and work schedules per day and their resourcing.

Catherine Dlamini, the MEC for Education in her report highlighted some challenges of the shortage of water; inadequate toilet facilities; most children not having birth certificates and shortage of scholar transport. The MEC indicated that there are many smaller schools in the various farming areas, some of which will be closed down and the children will be accommodated at a boarding school is being constructed. She also indicated that the department is working hard to address all the challenges that have been raised by the community.

The MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation reported that the library which was requested by the community is under construction and will be completed by the end of this year. She also pointed to a number of projects planned and budgeted for.
The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT), Makhosazane Masilela also reported on the projects planned for including business opportunities; funding of the Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to address the challenge of joblessness.

The Social Development MEC, Khethiwe Moeketsi has indicated that the decision on the closure of the pension fund and grants pay-points was informed by a number of observations, including robberies, mugging, inhumane conditions and others. The MEC encouraged the beneficiaries to utilise the banks for accessing their social grants. She also made a commitment that the department is working hard on addressing the allegations of inconsistencies around the distribution of food parcels.

Some members of the community appreciated what government has done whilst others believe that more work still needs to be done. Some of the challenges raised include the fact that it does not have a Technical Vocational and Education and Training (TVET) college; shortage of housing; provision of agricultural land and start up enablers like seeds and equipment; the escalating crime; improved health services; joblessness and business opportunities.

Cllr Walter Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor for Gert Sibande District rendered the vote of thanks. He echoed the words of appreciation for the Legislature to bring government to Mkhondo to deal with the issues that affect their livelihood. Cllr Mngomezulu further thanked the community of Mkhondo for braving the chilly weather to attend the public hearing.