Gauteng not a crisis: premier

The fact that Gauteng residents had logged the most calls on the presidential hotline did not mean the province was in service delivery turmoil, Premier Nomvula Mokonyane says.

"It is not a sign of crisis.... We live in a smart province," Mokonyane said, suggesting that Gauteng residents were the most active in voicing their concerns.

Mokonyane was addressing hundreds of people in Soweto at the launch of Gauteng's own service delivery hotline, after the presidency started one for the whole country in September 2009.

She said progress had been made in providing essential services such as electricity and health care.

The non-emergency hotline was an endeavour to improve these and speed up response times. Callers would receive a response from one of 70 call centre agents within three days, she said.

"In some instances they will be able to respond immediately."

She said the agents had all been trained to deal with a number of queries from the public, such as how to apply for housing and information about health issues.

"It's not just for complaints, but also for questions."

Since the pilot project began in the province in March last year, Mokonyane said 95,000 calls had been handled.

"The feedback we have received since the soft launch period indicates reasonable, satisfactory levels."

Mokonyane claimed the successes so far was evident in fewer service delivery protests.

The hotline was open from 7am until 10pm. A 24-hour service was not possible due to financial constraints.

The toll free number is 0860-42-88-364.