Region B director is ready to accelerate service delivery
Marking a year as director for Region B, Sello Lemao reflected on his journey so far. A journey through collaboration and a vision to deliver services across Johannesburg's Region B.
Read more: High impact service delivery transformation in Region B
Lemao, who took the mantle on May 1 2024, spent the year, not just fixing potholes or maintaining parks, but establishing connections between the city and its residents, particularly in the north, where expectations are high. 'The majority in the north are the highest taxpayers. For that, you need service delivery. The issues in that area consist of open spaces and by-law enforcement, coupled with park invasions. We see that, in many cases, community members step up to take action themselves, so, it is only fair if we meet them halfway.'
Lemao is particularly proud of the partnerships with residents' associations, as he values their vision for better service delivery. 'I've always said, from day one: I want to work closely with ward councillors and residents' associations,' he said.
Also read: Region B residents engage on 2025/26 draft IDP
He added that the region's real strength lies in its stakeholders, who are willing to collaborate with them. This collaborative spirit, Lemao says, is what has helped move Region B into what he calls its: 'Acceleration phase'. 'We've gained experience over the past year, and now, we're going to accelerate. We have the mechanisms, such as Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) and accelerated service delivery, and with our high impact service delivery in place, we're working with multiple entities to tackle issues in various wards. Today, we can tell you where a pothole needs to be patched before it even becomes a complaint.'
He added that the relationship between the city and residents is mutual. When communities are engaged, service delivery is sharper. 'In areas where the community is active, issues are reported and resolved much quicker, but in areas where there's little engagement, problems, like potholes, linger longer than they should. We want the residents to tell us where the problems are. We're ready to respond.'
Lemao admitted that there is still a lot to do, but he believes that his department is on the right track, and ready to move forward to improve service delivery in Region B.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
Related article: City officials identify key issues in Region B during recent site inspection
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
43 minutes ago
- The South African
Elephant Seal hauls out along Garden Route
An Elephant Seal, named Bossie, is currently resting on the shoreline between Bayview Beach and Diaz Beach in Mossel Bay. According to the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) Facebook page, he arrived this week. The Facebook post, uploaded on Wednesday, stated: 'We would like to inform the public that an adult elephant seal, named Bossie, is currently resting on the shoreline between Bayview Beach and Diaz Beach. 'S.M.A.R.T. was alerted to his arrival yesterday, and our team has been actively monitoring Bossie ever since to ensure he remains safe and undisturbed during his stay. 'Today, as a precaution, Bossie received his first rabies vaccination. This was done to help protect him from the rabies virus currently present in Cape fur seals near Seal Island, which is close to where Bossie has hauled out. 'We kindly urge all members of the public walking in the area to: Keep dogs on leashes at all times Avoid approaching or visiting the area where Bossie is resting 'Please help us protect this magnificent animal by giving him the space and quiet he needs. Your cooperation ensures his safety and well-being, and helps us continue our work in safeguarding our marine life. 'Thank you for your understanding and support!' Bossie's arrival follows hot on the heels (fins?) of Columbo who hauled out last week near Victoria Bay between George and Wilderness. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
WATCH: Pensioner walks an hour to SPCA to save injured pup
A pensioner has been praised online for walking over five kilometres to ensure his injured pup was given medical attention. The fur-baby, Coco, had a broken leg, which required specialist surgery. However, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA was unable to perform this at the primary-care hospital. Inspectors had to break the sad news that the injured pup may have to be euthanised if they could not help. The next day, the loving owner, Mr Gertse, walked back to the SPCA with his injured pup and his heart broken, expecting the worst. But fortunately, fate had other plans. As a result, the story ended in happy tears. Through the sponsorship of kind donors, the organisation was able to give Coco a second chance. But, Cape of Good Hope SPCA's communications manager, Belinda Abraham, said a new technique was used to help the injured pup. 'We had to try an alternative to a surgery that was out of reach for Mr Gertse. Coco was young, and our vets felt that her soft bones might come together on their own. With the right bandaging technique, good pain control, ongoing nursing care and a lengthy stay in our hospital. But, we are delighted that we could unbreak a leg and unbreak a heart and give Coco back to the man who never gave up on her.' The pensioner and his beloved, Coco, shared a sweet reunion. The once-injured pup was delighted to see its owner again. 'Wet kisses for Mr Gertse and wet eyes for every SPCA staff member involved in her care. This kind of devotion can't be taught. But it lives in the hearts of people who, despite facing their struggles, choose compassion,' shared Abraham, who was moved by Mr Gertse and little Coco's story moved her. Abraham said the SPCA encourages responsible pet guardianship, including the ability to provide for an animal's basic and medical needs. 'We saw heart in every line on Mr Gertse's weathered and worried face. He didn't have transport. He didn't have money for surgery. But he had love. And he had the will to act. While our country's cost-of-living crisis deepens, we are seeing more people, especially the elderly, turning to us. Not because they're failing their pets, but because they are desperate not to. Their animals are family. Sometimes, they are all they have. We know that having less doesn't mean loving less.' The Cape of Good Hope SPCA thanked the community for their generous donations. Fortunately, the sponsorships helped save the injured pup. 'To everyone who helps us keep the lights on, the wards warm, and the doors open, thank you. Thank you for healing Coco and honouring the love of one man for his dog. No one should lose their animal simply for being poor,' said Abraham. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA treats an average of 18 pets an hour, every day. According to Abraham, the facility runs at a loss of over R5 million annually. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
Santaco mourns deaths of learners in Eastern Cape floods
The number of school children confirmed to have been in a 22-seater scholar transport bus was thirteen. The devastation caused by floods in the Eastern Cape. Picture: Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane/Facebook. As the search resumes for four missing pupils who were in the minibus taxi when it was swept away by torrential floods in the Koloni village, in Mthatha, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) expressed sadness at the tragedy. On Wednesday, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane stated that the number of school children on a 22-seater scholar transport bus was thirteen, excluding the driver and his assistant. 'Three pupils were rescued alive, and sadly, six pupils have been confirmed to have been deceased, together with the driver and his assistant.' Tragic incident Santaco spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala said the taxi organisation is deeply saddened by the tragic incident. 'Santaco national representatives will today join the Eastern Cape leadership to visit the scene of the tragedy to offer support to the search and recovery teams currently working tirelessly to locate the missing pupils. ALSO READ: Where are the kids? Eastern Cape scholar transport recovered, but children still missing [VIDEO] 'This visit is also intended to show solidarity with the affected community and to assess how best to assist during this difficult time,' Phala said. Condolences Phala also extended Santaco's 'heartfelt condolences' to the families of the learners who lost their lives, as well as to all other victims impacted by the recent flooding in the province. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families, school communities, and all those affected. 'Santaco stands united in mourning and will continue to support efforts aimed at recovery, healing, and preventing further tragedies of this nature in line with our Hlokomela road safety campaign,' Phala said. Other deaths The tragic floods that have wreaked havoc in the Eastern Cape have claimed 49 lives. Mabuyane was shocked by the disaster. 'In all the years I have lived, I have never seen a disaster like this.' The number is expected to increase as rescue workers are still searching for missing people, particularly in the OR Tambo District Municipality, where flooding and landslides have left hundreds of families displaced. Mabuyane added that infrastructure technical teams have begun assessing the extent of the damage and identifying the necessary interventions. The premier urged residents to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of the local disaster management team. ALSO READ: 'You can't save Eastern Cape with 1 helicopter': Mabuyane admits province struggles with disaster management amid weather crisis
