City Ambassadors gain valuable job experience and skills at the metro
01 September 2024
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys, initiated the City Facilities Management (FM) Ambassador Programme in 2022, a programme that focuses on improving the relationship between the City and its customers at all of the metro’s customer facing facilities. On Friday, 30 August 2024, the City recognised the first group of City Ambassadors to have completed the two-year programme. This group of City Ambassadors were employed to serve as the face of the City, engaging directly with customers at various subcouncil offices and centres to understand their needs; address concerns and gather feedback. Meet two of the City’s star Ambassadors, Crystal Truter and Siphokazi Ngqame.
The initial intake for the Facilities Management Ambassador Programme in August 2022 saw 28 individuals selected from all over the metro to serve as City Ambassadors at various customer facing subcouncil offices. Of this group, nine secured permanent positions within the City, reflecting their outstanding performance. Building on the success of the initial intake, the City has now employed the new group of City Ambassadors. These 20 individuals will serve at various customer facing facilities over the next two years.
'One of my aims has always been to ensure that we use every opportunity at our centres to be as responsive and helpful as possible. Our goal was to improve the customers' experience from the moment they step into our facilities to seek assistance with a matter, or need information. Over the past two years, I have witnessed the City Ambassadors be of great help to our residents. Their proactive and enthusiastic approach when assisting our customers has made all the difference for residents who often do not know where to start with their queries or applications,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys.
Meet Siphokazi Ngqame
Siphokazi Ngqame (31) from Mfuleni, started as a City Ambassador in September 2022 and was based at the Cape Town Civic Centre Motor Vehicle Licence Renewal Centre and Cash Hall, meeting and greeting customers, ensuring that their experience at the facility was pleasant and representing the City to the best of her ability.
'I gained skills in so many areas over the last two years, from Contract Administration to Project Administration, not to mention how to handle queries from the public and dealing with them accordingly. I learnt about the City's structure and general information about the municipality. This opportunity meant a lot to me as a graduate who wants to grow within local government. The City has groomed me over the last two years and gave me a platform to be a competent employee,' said Siphokazi Ngqame.
Meet Crystal Truter
Crystal Truter (24) from Mitchells Plain started as a City Ambassador in October 2022 and was based at the Lentegeur Administrative Building in Mitchells Plain where she assisted countless clients with enquires; advised jobseekers on various job requirements; helped residents to complete important documentation; was involved with recruitment processes and passionately assisted residents with applying for their indigent grants.
Truter was an all-rounder and assisted wherever she could to get exposure to a new skill set, and this often included setting up for meetings at the Council chambers or checking that the facilities met the required standard in terms of maintenance.
'During my time with the City, I had the opportunity to learn about the functionality of local government, and also learned more about myself as an individual. I am completing my logbook in Public Management and so I am very grateful that the programme has given me insight into Integrated Development Plans, budgets and the standards that have to be achieved within the City itself. I have enjoyed my time at the City with many opportunities for self-improvement,' said Truter.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
