COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CENTRAL TO DSD MINISTERIAL OUTREACH IN BOJANALA DISTRICT

By Nonhlakanipho Masola

• Department of Social Development conducts a week-long Ministerial Outreach Programme in Bojanala District ahead of the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) on 9 January 2026, prioritising direct community engagement.
• Residents raise critical concerns, including access to SASSA services, child protection, substance abuse, youth development, transport challenges and food insecurity.
• Community engagement initiatives enable residents to actively contribute to governmental decision-making processes, thereby enhancing service delivery that prioritises the needs and interests of the population.

In preparation for the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP), scheduled for 9 January 2026, the Department of Social Development (DSD) will conduct a week-long Ministerial Outreach Programme within the Bojanala District Municipality from 6 to 13 January 2026.
The outreach forms part of DSD’s ongoing commitment to strengthening service delivery by bringing government services closer to communities, particularly the most vulnerable. The programme focuses on key social development priorities, including child protection, the prevention of and response to gender-based violence (GBV), substance abuse interventions, and support services for older persons and persons with disabilities.
Addressing community members during one of the engagement sessions, Mr Moosa Magubane, Director of the National Department of Social Development’s Community Mobilisation Unit, emphasised the importance of inclusive and honest dialogue. He encouraged residents to openly share their lived experiences and challenges in accessing services.
“It is important that everyone, young people, older persons, women and men participate actively in these group discussions. Communities must feel free to speak openly about their challenges. These engagements allow us to accurately convey community concerns to the Minister when she visits on 9 January,” said Magubane.
The community responded positively, with large numbers of residents participating in the engagements and using the platform to raise pressing social and service delivery concerns.
Speaking on behalf of community members from Manamakgoteng, Ms Nsima Kaneo highlighted several issues affecting the area. She noted limited awareness of SASSA services, stating that many residents struggle to access assistance because they are not adequately informed about available programmes and application processes.
Child neglect was raised as a critical concern, with calls for strengthened interventions to protect vulnerable children. The community also expressed growing anxiety about rising levels of substance abuse and crime, particularly among young people. Residents attributed this trend to the lack of recreational and developmental facilities that could provide positive alternatives for youth.
Additional concerns included road safety, particularly the urgent need for speed humps near schools to protect learners from speeding vehicles. Transport costs and limited access to SASSA offices were also highlighted, with residents explaining that high transport costs often prevent repeated visits when assistance is not received immediately.
Unemployment and the lack of skills development opportunities remain persistent challenges in the area. Community members noted that limited access to training and employment programmes leaves many residents unable to improve their socio-economic circumstances. Food insecurity was also raised, with families reporting that they are not consistently receiving food parcels despite being in dire need.
Lastly, concerns were expressed regarding the continuity of social work services. Some residents suggested that more frequent rotation of social workers could help maintain professional boundaries and enhance service effectiveness.
Through these initiatives, the Department strives to enhance its insight into the unique challenges faced by communities and to ensure that government interventions are tailored, coordinated, and guided by input from those most impacted. The Ministerial Outreach Programme further demonstrates DSD’s dedication to participatory governance and the delivery of people-focused services within the Bojanala District.