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The first national Imbizo Focus Week of the new administration that took place under the theme “Together we move South Africa forwards” has come to an end. The Focus Week saw Cabinet members engaging in dialogues of empowerment with various communities across the country.  The Izimbizo programme is a communication platform that enables the citizenry to have a meaningful and direct engagement with members of the national, provincial and local executive.

Minister of Communications, Ms Faith Muthambi said, “the Izimbizo approach promotes participatory democracy where people can voice their concerns, opinions and suggestions to their representatives, which they elected into office”. This year’s Imbizo Focus Week coincided with the first International Mandela Day since the passing of the struggle icon, Dr Nelson Mandela.

On July 18, a number of stakeholders responded to the call made by President Jacob Zuma to participate in a clean-up campaign. Government hosted over 30 clean-up activities at schools, hospitals, community facilities and orphanage centres, country-wide in honour of the of the late former President Mandela’s legacy.

Notable events included the clean-up campaign in the Eastern Cape at Mandela Science School in Mvezo where President Zuma was supported by some members of the national, provincial and local executives, members of Parliament as well as traditional leaders.  Another was an event at Bophelong Provincial Hospital by the Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa together with the North West provincial executive and other dignitaries in Mahikeng.
Izimbizo focus weeks approach is the post event feedback mechanism that aims to proactively keep the citizens abreast of interventions and plans underway to address socio-economic challenges in a sustainable manner. In addition these mechanisms ensure that communities and government work hand in clove to fast-track delivery and promote a culture of social partnership that affords each an opportunity to play their part as envisioned in the NDP.

Whilst government acknowledges that much has been achieved in the first 20 years of freedom; government realises that there are challenges that need to be addressed which include poverty, inequality and unemployment.

Minister Muthambi said “government noted issues raised during the engagements with the public and will undertake interventions. We are determined to ensure that there are improvements in all areas and we will monitor progress”.

During the Imbizo Focus Week, government embarked on approximately 48 izimbizo events across the country. “Government thanks all citizens that showed interest by attending the Izimbizo and participating in the engagements with political principals” said Minister Muthambi.