December 11, 2002
By Tendai Dhliwayo
IT was a memorable day on Tuesday for the Diepsloot community as they packed the local taxi rank to witness the launch of the Multipurpose Community Centre (MPCC) by deputy president Jacob Zuma.
The Diepsloot MPCC is the government's eighth one-stop-centre in Gauteng offering postal services, HIV/Aids information centre, municipal offices, metro police services, housing applications, government information services, safety and security services as well as a host of other government departments.
The heavy police presence on all the roads surrounding Diepsloot taxi rank showed that the launch, which coincided with the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day and the closure of the 16 days of non-violence against women, was no mean business.
The police, assisted by improvised security personnel, were on high alert. They had a hectic time as they struggled successfully to control the thousands of people who jostled to gain entry into the rank where the launch was taking place.
There was ear-splitting applause as the packed rank erupted after the arrival of Zuma and his contingent followed by a recorded national anthem.
City of Johannesburg mayor, Amos Masondo, was the first to take to the podium and applauded "the good work the government is doing - building MPCCs". He said the people of Diepsloot will be able to access information about how the government works.
Gauteng premier Mbazhima Shilowa, who was impeccably dressed - minus his trademark cap - proceeded from where Masondo had left. He reminded the all-ears residents that before 1994 roads and clinics were unheard of, but now great strides have been made to ensure these are made available to the people.
Shilowa proceeded to denounce "devilish" acts like the abuse of women, children and the elderly.
Renowned musicians like Jabu Khanyile and Tshepo Tshola also took the opportunity to advance the message of abuse of women and children.
"We hope the message will reach those who don't want to listen. We have committed police, prosecutors and magistrates. Our jails are full," said Nomvula Mokoenyane, MEC: safety and liaison.
Reinforcing what Masondo and Shilowa had said, Zuma, alternating between Zulu and English, said he was thrilled to be part of the occasion of the people of Diepsloot. The occasion, according to him was a day of commitment and to continue the efforts in fighting abuse of women and children.
The crowd packed the taxi rank to witness the proceedings
Zuma urged people to come together and "blow the whistle" on perpetrators of all heinous and despicable deeds. "If you see those perpetrating violence, call the police and the culprits will be incarcerated," he urged.
He reminded people that all South Africans have the right to life and live in safety. "As government we are committed to eradicating violence. Join us in these efforts. Let's celebrate and observe rights enshrined in the constitution as we approach the festive season. We must respect the next person and his rights," Zuma added.
Turning to the primary issue of the day, he reminded the residents of Diepsloot that the government is bringing itself closer to the people by introducing MPCCs. According to him, Diepsloot was chosen because it was neglected in terms of governmet services. It has a high rate of unemployment as well as shocking rates of violence against women and children.
The government, said Zuma, came up with the concept of these one-stop-centres to bring itself closer to people. The first MPCC was established in the Eastern Cape at Tombo centre in December 1999. The country now boasts 29 such centres and by December 2003, there will be 60 of them-each district having at least one.
Zuma, Shilowa and Masondo took a tour of the Diepsloot MPCC after addressing the crowd.
