Strand Town Hall was packed with residents last Thursday (5 March) as Western Cape premier Alan Winde, accompanied by provincial cabinet and City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee members, brought government services directly to the local community.
The visit formed part of the Winde’s First Thursday initiative, designed to give residents direct access to senior government officials right on their doorstep. During the two-and-a-half-hour session, residents could address their concerns, queries and suggestions directly to decision-makers through five-minute, one-on-one consultations on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each resident completed a quick on-site registration to access the sessions, with a maximum of two people allowed per consultation.
The venue, located on the corner of Main Road and Fagan Street, featured multiple inquiry desks staffed by various departments, including the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED), South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Police Ombudsman.
When asked about the initiative, Winde’s spokesperson Regan Thaw explained that First Thursdays was introduced several years ago when the premier was still a provincial minister.
“The idea was to bring the Western Cape government closer to residents, which is why we take it ‘on the road’ as often as possible,” said Thaw. “That’s why the March 2026 edition of First Thursdays was held in Strand. In the past we have held sessions in Mitchells Plain, Langa and Grassy Park – to name but a few locations.”
The initiative offers residents direct engagement opportunities with senior officials. “Residents can raise whatever issues, challenges and ideas they have with the provincial government’s Cabinet and Mayoral Committee members,” Thaw noted.
“This could be anything, from service delivery concerns to suggestions on improving services, dealing with crime or starting a business – the range of matters is diverse.”
While Thaw could not provide specific details about attendance numbers, outcomes or the nature of complaints raised at the time of enquiry, he confirmed that “the number of people who take advantage of First Thursdays varies, but [last week’s] was well attended”.
He further explained that all issues raised are addressed to the best of both the provincial government and council’s ability. “Some matters may fall outside the purview of the Western Cape government, but we still do our best to resolve them,”he said.
“The highlights for the premier are the opportunity to meet people, engage with residents and try to find solutions. He deeply values all the issues raised with him and his government.”
Subcouncil 8 chairperson Chantal Cerfontein expressed pride in the successful First Thursday event – the first ever held in the Helderberg region.
“We were honoured to host the premier, provincial cabinet, and Mayoral Committee members,” said Cerfontein, who plans to host the initiative quarterly.
