The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, during its oversight visit to KwaZulu-Natal this week, called for better and improved resourcing of Thusong Service Centres.
The committee has been conducting oversight in the province this week to assess access to and the quality of frontline public services, under the theme "Ensuring Good Governance through Human Resource Management Practices in the Public Service". They visited two Thusong Service Centres - the Impendle and Mnini centres, where members engaged with frontline staff. Members observed and were informed about staff shortages, under-resourced facilities, theft and network outages, among other issues, that are hindering the effectiveness of these centres.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Jan de Villiers, said these centres are among the most effective ways to deliver government services directly to communities in a coordinated and accessible manner. "These centres are not only practical but powerful tools for inclusion and empowerment, especially when digitised." The Chairperson also stressed the need for improved coordination and communication, and to ensure that these centres are fully supported and resourced. "As a committee, we are committed to assisting with that mission because if we truly want people to thrive where they are, we must bring services to them."
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Committee members observed the conditions frontline public servants face in the Thusong Centres. Noting resource constraints, one committee member, Dr Kgosi Letlape, said, "You can't expect five professionals to act professionally while sharing one and a half chairs. Professionalising the public service can only work if the professionals are properly supported."
Members were also informed of security challenges at the Mnini Thusong Service Centre, where computers and equipment were stolen, and they called for urgent updates to procurement systems. The infrastructure backlog was also flagged as a concern, with members noting undersized libraries in need of expansion and offices for social workers lacking space for private consultations, which affects both staff morale and public confidence.
Members called for immediate intervention, including improved cross-departmental communication. They also called for infrastructure upgrades, better security protocols and a cultural shift within government leadership to prioritise human dignity over bureaucratic box-ticking. Professionalism must be matched with professional environments," Dr Letlape said.
The Chairperson also acknowledged the strengths and limitations of Thusong centres. He praised its potential, describing it as a viable and realistic model for bringing all spheres of government into one space in a community. "When a Thusong Centre is fully functional, it is amazing how much efficient service can be delivered to the people. Each centre and the services provided should reflect the needs of the surrounding community," he said.
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Following the oversight visit, the committee will compile a report with its observations and recommendations that will be tabled in Parliament and referred to the relevant ministries. The oversight visit will culminate in a high-level meeting tomorrow with the Office of the Premier and Heads of Departments, who will report on interventions aimed at professionalising provincial government departments and entities.
