MINISTERIAL OUTREACH CONCLUDES WITH SUCCESSFUL ICROP IN TLOKWENG

Nonhlakanipho Masola

• Multiple social grant applications, including old-age and child support grants, were approved on the day, providing immediate relief to vulnerable households.
• Small business owners in Tlokweng received equipment and resources to strengthen livelihoods, promote self-reliance and support job creation.
• Community concerns raised during dialogues were addressed directly, with on-site resolutions by SASSA and the Department of Social Development under the Ministerial Outreach Programme.

A two-week period of focused community engagement as part of the Ministerial Outreach Programme in North-West Province culminated in a successful execution of the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) within the Bojanala District Municipality.
The outreach programme culminated in two ICROP initiatives over the two-week period, both aimed at bringing essential government services directly to communities and responding to their most urgent socio-economic needs. Through community dialogues, residents were afforded an opportunity to raise concerns and propose solutions to challenges affecting their daily lives.
During engagements in the Bojanala District Municipality, community representatives highlighted key issues requiring government intervention. Representing the youth, Mr Aobakwe Tlolo (37) outlined challenges faced by young people, including limited post-secondary opportunities for graduates of special schools, high unemployment, weak leadership development frameworks, the prevalence of unpaid work, and rising teenage pregnancy linked to limited empowerment initiatives and youth engagement.
The ICROP in Tlokweng recorded several immediate successes, particularly in the processing of social grants. Ms Elizabeth Marwane (60), a mother caring for one child and five grandchildren, had her old-age grant application approved on the same day. She expressed her gratitude, noting that the approval came shortly after her birthday, which she described as one of the best gifts she had ever received. She thanked the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Social Development for their support.
Another success story was that of Ms Bafedile Mosome (27), whose child support grant application was also approved during the outreach.
Beyond grant services, the Department of Social Development extended support to small business owners to promote self-reliance and economic empowerment. Among the beneficiaries was Ms Constance Morenong (43) from Tlokweng Village, a mother of three who established a kota business after two of her children exited the SASSA system. Her business, which sells kotas, chips, snacks and sweets, has grown steadily with basic equipment such as a deep freezer, wheelbarrows, a foldable table and a gazebo.
After responding to a departmental call for small business owners to apply for assistance at the Tlokweng Library, Ms Morenong received additional support, including a fridge. She explained that she previously relied on a shared household fridge, which posed operational challenges, and said the new equipment would significantly improve her business efficiency.
Other beneficiaries included Ms Lebogang Letsholo (41), who sells snacks, homemade bread, and chips, and received a microwave, popcorn maker, and deep fryer. Ms Kamogelo Rakuba (35), a mother of one who has operated a small-scale catering business for over 15 years, received equipment, including a foldable table, a deep freezer, a wheelbarrow, a popcorn machine, and a gazebo. She expressed appreciation for the support, noting that it would enable her to expand her business and create employment opportunities.
These success stories underscore the impact of the Ministerial Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme, which continues to ensure that older persons and vulnerable communities are assisted promptly and with dignity, while reinforcing government’s commitment to responsive, people-centred service delivery.
Responding to issues raised by the community, the MEC for Social Development in the North-West, Ms Sussana Dantjie, emphasised that the Minister had instructed that all questions be addressed and that matters capable of being resolved on site by SASSA or the Department of Social Development be attended to immediately. She welcomed the participation of both legislative and executive stakeholders, noting that their presence strengthens coordinated service delivery.
Leading the Ministerial ICROP in Tlokweng, the MEC reiterated that the Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, had directed that all community concerns be prioritised. She highlighted that municipalities and community members in attendance were assisted on the day through grant approvals and the processing of new applications.
The MEC further encouraged learners to value education, reaffirmed the importance of ICROPs as accessible platforms for government services, prioritised support for persons with disabilities, and provided material assistance in support of women’s empowerment initiatives.