ROODEPAN COMES ALIVE AS ICROP DELIVERS REAL SERVICES AND RENEWED HOPE

By Precious Mupenzi

• Hundreds of Roodepan residents accessed integrated government services despite rainy conditions, demonstrating strong community uptake and need.
• Over 150,000 social grants are distributed monthly in Sol Plaatjie, injecting more than R184 million into the local economy.
• ICROP continues to restore dignity and improve access by bringing essential services directly to communities.

Residents came out in their numbers, bringing the streets of Roodepan to life, undeterred by the rain, as the Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, led a high-impact Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) in Kimberley on Thursday, 26 March 2026.

Held in Roodepan, a vibrant township on the outskirts of Kimberley in the Northern Cape’s Frances Baard District, the outreach saw hundreds of community members accessing a basket of services from the Department of Social Development (DSD), SASSA, Home Affairs, Health, the Department of Labour, SIU, SAPS, and other government partners. This demonstrated government’s commitment to improving access, restoring dignity, and building a nation that works for all.

Addressing the community, Minister Tolashe emphasised that ICROP is guided by the Batho Pele principle of putting people first, ensuring that services reach citizens where they live.
“Since last year, we took a deliberate decision to ensure that services reach people where they are, improving access, convenience, and reducing the cost of travelling long distances,” she said.
She described ICROP as a flagship programme that continues to reach communities at their point of need, translating government commitments into real, visible impact.

Taking services closer to the people

During a walkabout across service points, the Minister engaged directly with beneficiaries and officials, expressing satisfaction with the integrated approach by various departments and partners.
She called for continued collaboration to expand ICROP to more districts in the province, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The outreach aligns with government’s Medium-Term Development Plan priorities, particularly efforts to reduce poverty, address the high cost of living, and strengthen social protection systems.

Lives changed on the ground.

The programme’s impact was evident in the lives of ordinary citizens.
Among them was 69 year- old gogo Sigonyela Khachile from Roodepan, who could not hide her joy after receiving her smart ID from Home Affairs officials. For her, the day was more than just accessing a service; it was a moment of restored dignity and inclusion.
Across the venue, other beneficiaries received social grant approvals, while some were supported with equipment to grow their small businesses, real, tangible outcomes of a government that is present and responsive.

Social grants remain a lifeline

Highlighting the importance of social assistance, Minister Tolashe noted that social grants continue to play a critical role in supporting vulnerable households.
In the Sol Plaatjie Local Municipality alone, more than 150,000 grants are paid monthly, injecting over R184 million into the local economy.
She stressed the importance of using grants, particularly the Child Support Grant, for their intended purpose.
“If you suspect any misuse of social grants, including the Child Support Grant, please report it to SASSA or a social worker for investigation,” she urged.

Tackling poverty and social challenges

While acknowledging progress made since the advent of democracy, the Minister cautioned that challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and child malnutrition remain a concern.
She also raised alarm over substance abuse, particularly among young people, calling on families and communities to support those on the path to recovery and to educate children about the dangers of drugs.
“We must support those who are recovering and educate our children about the dangers of drugs. That is the only way we can turn the tide,” she said.
She further linked substance abuse to broader social challenges such as gender based violence and illegal mining, urging communities to work with government to address these issues.

Empowering communities through active citizenry

The Minister emphasised that ICROP is not just about service delivery, but also about creating a platform for communities to raise their concerns and actively participate in shaping solutions.
“This ICROP is not a one-hit wonder. We will continue working with the province to address the issues raised and provide regular updates on progress,” she assured.

Building a nation that works for all

As the day unfolded, despite inclement weather, Roodepan became a living example of what responsive government looks like: services delivered, lives touched, and hope restored.
In closing, the programme echoed the spirit of South Africa’s Constitution, which enshrines dignity, equality, and freedom for all. Through ICROP, these constitutional ideals were not just words, but a lived reality, bringing government closer to the people and building a nation that truly works for all.