GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY ACCESS TO SERVICES AND OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH PIMVILLE ICROP

By Tholakele Makena

• Acting Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga led the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) in Pimville, bringing government services and opportunities directly to residents.
• The outreach, held during Youth Month and on the eve of Youth Day, connected young people and community members to education, skills development and employment opportunities.
• An oversight visit to Mo-Afrika Ithlokomele Educational Projects highlighted the impact of community-based initiatives, including job placements for 470 young people over the past three years.

The Department of Social Development (DSD), led by Acting Minister Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, hosted the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) at Power Park Grounds in Pimville, Soweto, on 15 June 2026. The initiative brought together government departments, entities and stakeholders to provide a wide range of integrated services directly to community members.

Held during Youth Month and on the eve of Youth Day, the outreach programme reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving access to essential services and expanding opportunities for communities. Residents, particularly young people, were able to access information on social services, education and training opportunities, skills development initiatives, employment support programmes and other government interventions aimed at improving livelihoods.

The programme also coincided with the global observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Through the initiative, the Department joined the international community in raising awareness about the rights, dignity and protection of older persons. The commemoration highlighted the importance of preventing all forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation of older persons, while promoting respect, care and support for senior citizens.

As part of the programme, Acting Minister Chikunga conducted an oversight visit to Mo-Afrika Ithlokomele Educational Projects, a community-based organisation in Pimville that continues to make a meaningful contribution to education, digital skills development and youth empowerment. The organisation has supported more than 2,000 beneficiaries through skills development and employment programmes and has facilitated job placements for 470 young people over the past three years.

During the visit, beneficiary Ms Thandululo Itani shared her inspiring journey and expressed gratitude for the support she received through the project. With the organisation’s assistance, she obtained a Diploma in Public Relations, a Business Analysis qualification and a Facilitator Certificate. She is currently pursuing studies in Social Work while continuing to benefit from the project’s support, demonstrating the long-term impact of community-driven development initiatives.

The Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme showcased the value of collaborative partnerships in expanding access to services and creating pathways to opportunity. Through initiatives such as ICROP and the work of organisations like Mo-Afrika Ithlokomele Educational Projects, government and its partners continue to empower communities, strengthen social inclusion and improve prospects for sustainable development.