CEDA OPENS ITS 10^th CLIENT SERVICE CENTRE IN KGALAGADI NORTH

In an effort to increase its visibility and provide better service to more Batswana, the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) officially opened the doors of  its 10^th Client Service Centre in Hukuntsi on the 6^th of May 2016. With the strategic initiatives developed from the 2015-2018 Strategy, Hukuntsi was identified as a prime location in which the Agency could set up an office as a majority of the Kgalagadi North Administrative Offices are situated in the village. Setting up an office in Hukuntsi, the Agency would also be able to service clients that have often struggled to travel as far as Kanye for assistance.

The CEDA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Thabo Thamane opened the proceedings by explaining the strategic intent of opening a Service Centre in Hukuntsi. He explained that CEDA has only been accessible to the people of Kgalagadi North through its Client Service Centre in Kanye making customers have to travel well over 500 kilometres to seek assistance from officers. The CEO explained that the Hukuntsi Client Service Centre should be treated as a fully-fledged office offering Batswana the opportunity to enquire and also submit the proposals. With the new office, potential customers must take full advantage of CEDA and enquire about business prospects.

He  further went on to explain that the Agency has come up with several initiatives in the current financial year to ensure that the Agency expands and reaches out to more Batswana with its products and services. “The Agency will in the near future launch its two Mobile Office Units which will service areas where it is not possible to set up a permanent office. Each Mobile Office Unit will have officers that will give you the opportunity to enquire about our products and services.” The CEO highlighted how CEDA continues to sensitize Batswana of its service offering through extensive Outreach Programmes such as CEDA Open Days which are held regularly on the Agency’s calendar.

Officially Opening the Service Centre was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry (MITI) Ms. Peggy Serame on behalf of Minister Vincent T. Seretse who was the keynote speaker. In her address the Permanent Secretary commended, the Board, Mr. Thamane and the Agency for recognising the need to bring their services closer to the people of Kgalagadi North. She went on to say “CEDA as a Government entity has made great efforts to bring its services closer to the people of Kgalagadi North by opening a Service Centre in Hukuntsi. This is testimony of their commitment in achieving initiatives such as the Economic Diversification Drive and Economic Stimulus Package which were introduced to make Batswana more self-reliant and empowered.” Ms Serame continued to encourage the community to approach CEDA by saying “The Client Service Centre is here to help all types of businesses, it is a matter of taking the time and learning about the opportunities CEDA presents. I urge you all to not let this opportunity to empower yourselves go".

Kgalagadi North Member of Parliament Honourable Itumeleng Moipisi equally commended CEDA for bringing their services closer to the community of Hukuntsi and neighbouring settlements. He urged everyone to take the initiative and visit the CEDA CSC. He went on to say “Kgalagadi North is an area which is renowned for having successful agricultural projects particularly in Small Stock Farming.”

After the formalities, the Permanent Secretary of Investment Trade and Industry, Ms. P Serame officially opened the CSC by unveiling the plaque and cutting the ribbon to officially open the CSC.

The Hukuntsi Client Service Centre is situated in Macheng Mall.

For further details regarding the Hukuntsi CSC Official Opening kindly contact:

Leatile G. Bakwena

CommunicationS Manager

Tel; +267 3991084 or 3170895

email: lbakwena@ceda.co.za