Healthcare services were brought straight to the heart of Mamello informal settlement in Vaal Marina as Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Faith Mazibuko, led a major community outreach aimed at reaching residents where they live.
From HIV and TB testing to Pap smears, oral health services, PSA screening and health education, the #Siyabaphilisa programme gave residents access to essential services without having to travel far from their homes.
Mazibuko also took the outreach beyond the service points, walking through the community and visiting households to hear directly from residents about the challenges they face and the support they need from government.
“The #Siyabaphilisa programme is about bringing essential healthcare and support services closer to our communities, while listening directly to residents and connecting them with the assistance they need,” Mazibuko said.*
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) was also part of the outreach, assisting residents to check their voter registration status.
The programme focused strongly on early detection and prevention, giving community members an opportunity to undergo important screenings while also receiving information on how to better manage their health.
For residents who may face transport costs, long distances or other barriers to accessing clinics, bringing services directly into the community can make a significant difference.
The household visits added a more personal dimension to the outreach, allowing residents to raise concerns directly with government representatives rather than relying only on formal channels.
By combining healthcare, government support and direct community engagement, the #Siyabaphilisa programme seeks to close gaps in access and ensure that vulnerable communities are not left behind.
For Mamello residents, the outreach was more than a health campaign. It was an opportunity to access vital services, ask questions, raise concerns and connect directly with government.
