DEPUTY MINISTER HENDRICKS LEADS HIGH-IMPACT ICROP OUTREACH IN MOHLAKENG

By Lungelo Mkamba

• Older persons are invaluable members of our society, contributing wisdom and experience that enrich our communities. Ensuring their protection and dignity must be prioritised through accessible healthcare, social inclusion programmes, and legal safeguards that uphold their rights and well-being.
• Over 283,000 beneficiaries in the West Rand District receive social grants, injecting approximately R433 million into local communities.
• Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) continues to bring integrated government services directly to communities, reducing barriers and restoring dignity.

The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks, led a high-impact Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) at the Mohlakeng Old Age Home in the West Rand District, Gauteng, on 27 March 2026, bringing essential government and social services directly to the community.
The outreach occurred within the context of substantial social assistance coverage in the district. By February 2026, more than 283,000 individuals were recipients of social grants, resulting in approximately R433 million disbursed monthly to support vulnerable households. The Old Age Grant provides for over 103,000 beneficiaries, while the Child Support Grant serves 251,599 children, highlighting the essential role of social protection in maintaining livelihoods and preserving dignity.

Beyond grant provision, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) continues to implement targeted developmental programmes. In the West Rand District, the school uniform programme has supported 192 learners, with an investment exceeding R1 million, while simultaneously empowering local co-operatives involved in the production and supply of uniforms.

Deputy Minister Hendricks was joined by the Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Ms Faith Mazibuko, and the SASSA Acting Regional Executive Manager in Gauteng, Mr Godfrey Mohlamonyane, alongside senior officials from the Department of Social Development (DSD) and SASSA, and representatives from all three spheres of government.

Held during Human Rights Month, the outreach reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving access to services and protecting vulnerable groups, particularly older persons. Addressing the community, Deputy Minister Hendricks emphasised the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of older persons, describing them as “invaluable members of our society.”

He further underscored the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable development, noting that government cannot act alone and must work collaboratively with civil society, the private sector, and community leaders. He described ICROP as “a critical catalyst for change and transformation, where partnerships are forged to uplift communities.”

Acknowledging persistent socio-economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality, the Deputy Minister called for innovative and inclusive approaches to development. He stressed that true progress must be measured not only in economic terms but in the overall well-being of citizens.

ICROP, one of SASSA’s flagship programmes, is designed to bring services closer to communities by reducing travel costs, long queues, and administrative barriers. During the Mohlakeng outreach, residents accessed a wide range of services, including social grant applications and enquiries, assistance with identity documents, social work support, and services for victims of gender-based violence and substance abuse.

Participating departments and entities included the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and other key stakeholders, reflecting a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to service delivery.

The programme commenced with a community engagement session, providing residents with an opportunity to raise service delivery concerns directly with leadership. This was followed by on-site service delivery, which recorded strong community participation.

The Department of Social Development, SASSA, and its partners will continue to roll out ICROP initiatives across the country to ensure that services reach those most in need, while strengthening public trust through accessible, integrated, and people-centred service delivery.