MINISTER TOLASHE LEADS OUTREACH TO SUPPORT VULNERABLE DELMAS COMMUNITY

By Staff writer.

• Minister Tolashe leads Integrated Registration Outreach Programme in Delmas to bring services closer to vulnerable communities.
• Over 18,000 social grant beneficiaries targeted in an area grappling with poverty, unemployment, and social challenges.
•  SASSA, NDA, and 14 partner departments and institutions to provide grants, enquiries, and empowerment services on-site.

The Minister of Social Development, Honourable Sisisi Tolashe, will lead an Integrated Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) in Delmas, Mpumalanga. She will be joined by the MEC for Social Development, Ms. Nompumelelo Hlophe, and the Executive Mayor of Victor Khanye Local Municipality. This initiative, supported by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Development Agency (NDA), is designed to ensure that underprivileged communities gain direct access to critical government services without the burden of travelling long distances. Beyond service delivery, the programme also strengthens the connection between the social development sector and its beneficiaries by creating a platform for improved communication, responsiveness, and trust between the Agency and the people it serves.
The Victor Khanye Local Municipality [Delmas] area is targeted because of multiple social challenges that continue to affect the well-being of community members. High levels of unemployment and poverty have led to a rise in social problems such as substance abuse, crime, and teenage pregnancy. These challenges are further compounded by limited access to economic opportunities. As a result, a large portion of the population relies heavily on social grants for survival. Estimated statistics of social grant beneficiary around the area is 18,482.
The outreach targets the Victor Khanye Local Municipality, where residents face pressing socio-economic challenges. High unemployment and poverty levels have intensified social problems such as substance abuse, crime, and teenage pregnancy. With limited access to economic opportunities, many households in the area depend on social grants for survival, with approximately 18,482 beneficiaries recorded.

During this programme, the Agency will render services, such as grant application, reviews, and assisting with enquiries including Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370 grant. In addition, more than 14 government departments, NGOs, state entities and financial institutions will be present to provide integrated services and share empowerment information with community members.