Twenty non-government organisations (NGOs), from Ward 79 split into two groups, attended a three-day workshop at Mitchell’s Plain sub-council office from Wednesday November 2 until Friday November 4.
The ward includes Beacon Valley (west Of Oval East Street up to Epsom Crescent , Lords Street, south of Oval North Street and Trampoline Street, east of AZ Berman Drive
and north of Imperial Street); Eastridge; Mitchell’s Plain central business district (Town Centre); Portland (west and south of Wespoort Drive, east of Merrydale Avenue and north Of Oxford Street, Trafalgar Way, Cambridge Street and the railway line).
The workshop culminated in the launch of an NGO information desk for groups to access and disseminate information.
Ward 79 councilor Solomon Philander used funds from the ward’s budget to host the training, which included representatives from the City of Cape Town’s department of Social Development, South African Revenue Service (SARS) and council administration officials.
“This is a municipal community partnership that will facilitate the social development priorities for Ward 79,” said Mr Philander.
He said the organisations would receive support over the next five years from his office and networks to strengthen services in the ward.
Support includes tools which will enable organisations to respond to the needs of the community and also provide a range of services.
Organisations, included senior groups, substance abuse, child abuse services, youth development services, community projects, early childhood development services and caring projects like Mitchell’s Plain Local Network of Care and Beaconvale Community Frail Care Centre.
Mr Solomons said a holistic approach – and a range of interventions – were required when responding to the needs of the community.
“Through strong partnerships, we will achieve more,” he said.