Social Development Acting Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, will lead a high-impact Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) at Power Park Grounds in Pimville, Soweto, on Monday.
The ICROP is one of the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) flagship service delivery initiatives aimed at bringing essential government and social services directly to communities.
By reducing travel costs, minimising waiting times and providing multiple services under one roof, ICROP ensures that government and stakeholder services are more accessible, responsive and citizen-centred.
The outreach according to the Department of Social Development, forms part of SASSA’s 20-year anniversary commemorations, marking two decades of providing social assistance and advancing social protection for millions of vulnerable South Africans.
The ICROP presents an opportunity not only to celebrate this important milestone, but also to reaffirm government’s commitment to bringing services closer to the people and strengthening service delivery.
Taking place during Youth Month and on the eve of Youth Day (16 June), the outreach is aimed at empowering young people by enhancing access to information, opportunities and support services.
The programme also provides a platform for direct engagement between government, communities and stakeholders on matters affecting young people and other vulnerable groups. In recognition of Youth Month and under the theme “RESET@50: The Future Calls,” particular emphasis will be placed on education, skills development, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, bursaries, funding initiatives and other programmes aimed at promoting youth development, economic participation and social inclusion.
Through the ICROP, the Department of Social Development (DSD), SASSA, the National Development Agency (NDA) and various government and stakeholder partners will provide a range of on-site services, including:
• Social grant applications and enquiries
• Employment, skills development and career guidance opportunities
• Information on bursaries, student funding, learnerships and entrepreneurship support programmes
• Social work services and referrals
• Support services for victims of gender-based violence and substance abuse
• Civil society organisation registration and support services from the NDA and
• A wide range of services from participating government departments, state entities, civil society organisations and private-sector stakeholders.
Acting Minister Chikunga will be joined by political principals and executives from DSD, SASSA and the NDA to conduct oversight visits at two funded projects.
The delegation will visit Tshedimosho Farm Hub, a community-run initiative promoting food security and sustainable livelihoods through agricultural production and processing. The delegation will also visit Mo-Afrika Ithlokomele Educational Projects, a Gauteng DSD-funded NPO that empowers disadvantaged communities through education, skills development, youth empowerment, job creation and community development programmes.
The programme for the day includes a community engagement session, providing an opportunity for the Acting Minister, government representatives, stakeholders and community members to interact directly on issues affecting the community, particularly young people.
This will be followed by the on-site delivery of services representative of all participating government departments and stakeholders. – SAnews.gov.za
