KWAZULU-NATAL MEC for transport, community safety and liaison Bheki Cele has called on all public servants to go to the people or face the music.

KWAZULU-NATAL MEC for transport, community safety and liaison Bheki Cele has called on all public servants to go to the people or face the music.

Cele said the government "won't tolerate laid-back officials".

Speaking at the closing of a provincial justice crime prevention and security cluster quarterly meeting at Umzimkhulu yesterday, Cele said the time for excuses was over.

The initiative is aimed at bringing the law closer to the people for better understanding and protection. More than 3000 people, including youths attended.

Community members were also given an opportunity to air their views and concerns on service delivery issues in the area.

Residents told Cele that they had become victims of crime because police failed to respond fast when called. Thembeka Dzanibe, a resident, said Cele's visit to their area was a blessing.

"Our homesteads are being raided by criminals but the police do not want to make arrests."

Cele said public servants should not keep their office seats warm, but should go out to the public and take services closer to people.

"Government must come to the people, and not the other way round," said Cele.

He also asked traditional leaders to engage government, and if necessary invite departments of home affairs and the South African Social Services Agency to their communities so that their people can be afforded easy access to government services.