Winde's cabinet here to meet the people

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GEORGE NEWS - George residents had a lot on their minds during the outreach of Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and his cabinet on Monday evening, 15 May.

The Conville Community Centre was transformed into numerous question booths, each manned by a minister and ministerial representatives. A healthy line-up of residents were waiting their turn at the respective booths, question sheets in hand.

"We are here to listen. It is not a time for speeches," said Winde during the opening of the outreach. "We are looking forward to your complaints and also your solutions."

Blanche Benjamin, a member of the public who attended, said she is glad she went. Not only did she meet Minister for Local Government Anton Bredell and spoke to him about the situation at the Gwaiing River Mouth, she also met Anroux Marais, Minister for Cultural Affairs and Sport.

She spoke to her about the history of Pacaltsdorp, the horse riding project in Pacaltsdorp and the Golden Games. She provided some documentation to the ministers.

PHOTO GALLERY: Winde and cabinet meet with locals

According to her the ministers showed understanding for the different challenges. They didn't have all the answers but assured her they would get back to her. "It was an opportunity for the ministers to hear first-hand from the communities," said Benjamin.

Nicolas Joseph of Conville waited his turn to talk to Reagen Allen, Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, about crime in his neighbourhood and the way the police treat residents who report those crimes.

Minister Anton Bredell (right) chats to Siyamthanda Johns, who wants to fast-track the buying of land for a communication training centre in Thembalethu. It is a project Johns has been working on for the past two years.

Basil Myners of Groeneweide Park waited at the same booth to find out about funding for a training facility in the security business.

"I want to teach young people skills, but need more information on how to make this possible. Training is often being done by outside resources. We want to provide such a service locally."

WC Premier Alan Winde shakes on it after a long chat with Stephan Gericke. The two have known each other since before Gericke's position as speaker of the district council from 2000 to 2005.