The results of the survey listed many achievements but also pointed out a number of areas for improvement. For example, there is a huge need for a health facility that offers 24-hour medical care in the Ivory Park and Diepsloot areas, and a need for educational facilities in the rapidly growing Midrand Central area.
“This analysis enabled us to identify the actions that worked for [communities], as well as identify areas that [communities] were unhappy with, as well as where we needed to redirect and invest more resources,” said Tau.
An example of this are the libraries in Diepsloot, Ivory Park North, Lord Khanyile and Rabie Ridge that were revamped. The libraries now have Wi-Fi connection and 12 computers are available for library users.
Another success is the Food Resilience Programme. The social development department drives this initiative which is designed to assist indigent families in creating their own food gardens to become self-sustainable. So far, 157 gardens have been established in the region and 2 600 households receive vegetables from Red Farmers in Diepsloot (wards 95 and 113).
The department also has other programmes in partnership with the private sector in assisting people to improve their lives. There are youngsters involved in a professional driving learnership programme offered by a driving academy in Diepsloot, while others are taking part in a tyre repair learnership programme sponsored by a tyre company.
“Working with the private sector, we can go a long way to ensuring that all the people in our community are healthy and have a future,” said Abigail Ndlovu, regional director of Region A.
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