February 27, 2004
By Tshepiso Mogotsi
WITH the recent opening of the Alexandra Multi-purpose Community Centre, residents now have a one-stop centre where they can access a comprehensive range of government services.
Alexandra residents will no longer have to travel to different locations spread across Johannesburg to register births, apply for social grants, get help with work-related problems, or pay their municipal bills.
Mayor Amos Masondo and Minister Essop Pahad
The multi-purpose centre, situated on the corner of Roosevelt Street and Eighth Street, was launched this week during a formal ceremony attended by Johannesburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo and Minister in the Presidency, Essop Pahad.
During the ceremony Masondo urged residents to take pride in and care for "their own centre". "MPCCs are in line with the government's initiative to come closer to its people," he said.
The high-rise face-brick building will house national government department offices, provincial government services and municipal departments. Several NGOs, community-based organisations and parastatals will also operate from the centre. Residents will be able to contact the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services - including fire and ambulance services - or use a post office, get their pensions from the Department of Social Services or receive counselling services from Life Line and the Family and Marriage Society of South Africa.
A People's Centre, providing an information centre, a help desk, and a centre for paying local rates, electricity and water, is also situated in the Alexandra MPCC. Residents will also be able to consult health care workers at a clinic within the centre or take out books from the library.
At the launch of the MPCC Alex Sepeng, acting director for Region 7, which includes Alexandra, said although the centre already provided a wide range of services residents were welcome to suggest others they wanted added. "As residents and owners of the centre, I urge you to tell us if there is anything you think should be included."
The launch was a day of celebration and joy. Between the speeches an array of local talent was on display, with groups of dancers and choirs performing for the many dignitaries. A choir from the Alexandra Youth Choir followed gumboot dancers, while members of the Immaculate Theatre danced in traditional attire.
Guests were seated in two large tents, while residents crammed around the entertainment area to watch the proceedings. Pahad clearly enjoyed the event as he laughed and chatted with his hosts.
The minister praised the Government Communication and Information System, the driving force behind the setting up of MPCCs. "When they first presented the idea to us three years back we had some serious doubts," Pahad said. He went on to point out the success of the programme to "bring government closer to where people live".
There are a total of 11 MPCCs in Gauteng, with three in Johannesburg - in Diepsloot, Alexandra and White City. "Gauteng is very lucky. We do everything here," Pahad said.
For more information on the Alex MPCC phone 011 719 4758
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