​Thabo Bodibe
As part of ongoing efforts to reduce foodborne illnesses and raise awareness about food safety, the provincial government held a two-day Open Day from 27 - 28 November 2024 at Lakeside community hall in Evaton and Rust Ter Vaal.
Gauteng Provincial Government takes services to Townships, Informal Settlements and Hostels (TISH) areas on a weekly basis across the province as part of bringing government services to the residents.
Open days assist in making government services accessible to the elderly and disadvantaged communities, with stakeholders such as departments of home affairs, social development and health. 
This week, government used the event to encourage communities to take proactive measures in educating adults and children about food safety and empower them to make informed choices. 
During the event, community members were urged to adhere to strict hygiene practices, including proper food storage, thorough cooking, and maintaining clean preparation areas.
Food, when it is safe and nutritious, is vital to sustain life and promote good health. However, if contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances, it can cause foodborne diseases and even result in fatalities.
Communities were also educated about water issues faced by the province and the restrictions they must adhere to ensure the province avoids bleak Christmas due to the water shortages as December is a peak period. 
Residents were urged to use water sparingly to secure water availability as the province deals with the growing water demand due to population growth and climate change.
Senior citizens with prepaid electricity meters were urged to visit their nearest Eskom branch to update their meters to KRN2 code. Meters not upgraded will no longer accept electricity tokens, rendering them inoperable.
Napo Sekwakwa, an elderly resident who attended the open day said he was very pleased with services government brough to Lakeside in Evaton community hall.
"It is not easy for us to access services because of money or distance, so if services are brought to us, it makes a major difference," said Sekwakwa. 
Another community member, Nkebane Radebe said: "Having home affairs mobile services was very important because it has helped avoid long ques and the process of applying for his identity document was speedily. 
Gauteng Government encourages community members to take advantage of the  open days and access government service as mobile health care services are provided such as HIV/AIDS awareness, health education and counselling outreach services.