INTEGRATED COMMUNITY REGISTRATION OUTREACH PROGRAM LAUNCHED IN UMUZIWABANTU MUNICIPALITY

By Trevor Khuzwayo 

• The uMuziwabantu Municipality recently initiated the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Program (ICROP) to enhance access to government services for underserved communities, addressing the challenges of residents who often travel over 25 kilometres for essential social welfare support.
• Led by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and supported by local municipalities and civil society organisations, ICROP aims to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing vital services, with a particular focus on establishing child support grant registration sites at local hospitals.
• The initiative also highlights the Generating Better Livelihoods (GBL) project, which seeks to uplift households through tailored interventions, including job training and agricultural support, empowering communities to achieve sustainable livelihoods.

The uMuziwabantu Municipality recently hosted the launch of the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Program (ICROP), aimed at improving access to government services for underserved communities in the area.

Led by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), this project addresses the significant challenges faced by residents who often travel over 25 kilometres for essential social welfare support.

MEC for KwaZulu-Natal Social Development, Ms. Mbali Shinga, emphasised the program’s importance: “This undertaking marks an important moment for our communities. Through ICROP, we ensure that no one is left behind. Accessibility to services is a right for every citizen.”

The program features partnerships with local municipalities, civil society organisations, and businesses to bridge the gap between government services and communities. “We are committed to reaching socially excluded areas, ensuring our services are available, affordable, and adequate,” MEC Shinga noted.

A key aspect of ICROP is the establishment of child support grant registration sites at local hospitals, including Port Shepstone Hospital, in collaboration with Home Affairs. “By placing registration sites where they are most needed, we better support vulnerable children and families,” she explained.

The initiative also highlighted the Generating Better Livelihoods (GBL) project, which aims to uplift households through tailored interventions. “We have taken steps towards changing the lives of the destitute. Our partnerships will address food security and provide job training opportunities,” MEC Shinga stated.

The GBL project has already conducted 48 household profiles and developed 39 individual intervention plans, engaging local leaders to support agricultural initiatives. “This is about empowering our communities to create sustainable livelihoods. Together, we can build a brighter future,” she added.

Mam Zandile Memela, a 75-year-old pensioner and SASSA beneficiary, expressed her gratitude for the initiative: “This program means everything to us. It brings hope and helps us feel connected to our government. I am grateful that help is coming closer to our homes.”

In closing, MEC Shinga expressed gratitude to all partners involved, emphasising that this collective effort showcases the impact of collaboration for community betterment. “We are committed to making a difference in the lives of every citizen in uMuziwabantu Municipality,” she concluded.