The Minister of Social Development, Dina Pule, will bring the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) to the community of eFameni in the OR Tambo District, following calls from community stakeholders for improved access to government services.
The Minister's intervention follows feedback from various stakeholders who highlighted a range of challenges affecting the community. Among the key concerns is limited access to government services, which forces residents to travel long distances to access essential support. The Minister considers this a disservice to the community, particularly when government departments have mobile resources that can be deployed to bring services closer to residents while longer-term, sustainable solutions are pursued.
The social challenges identified for attention include gender-based violence (GBV), teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, unemployment, poverty, hunger, and limited access to social workers and related support services.
Community stakeholders also raised concerns about the living conditions of older persons and called for increased youth development initiatives, skills training, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and assistance for former mineworkers.
Other concerns include rising crime levels, particularly stock theft, the illegal possession of firearms, violent crime and sexual offences. Residents also highlighted delays in police response times, attributed to the distance from the nearest police station.
Through this integrated approach, the Minister will be joined by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the National Development Agency (NDA) and other government departments to improve access to essential government services and resources in the community.
Residents of eFameni will benefit from a range of services, including social grant application assistance, identity document services and health screenings. The programme will also provide a platform for community engagement, enabling residents to raise their concerns, identify their needs and contribute to setting service delivery priorities.
The ICROP forms part of Social Development Month, which is being observed under the theme “Strengthening Families Through Partnerships.” In line with this theme, the outreach initiative seeks to bring social security programmes, community outreach initiatives and welfare services closer to communities, while strengthening collaboration among government departments and other stakeholders.
As part of the programme, the Minister will conduct an oversight visit to Ilunge Sewing Cooperative, a community-based organisation funded by the National Development Agency. The cooperative supports job creation and income-generating opportunities within communities in the Mthatha area.
The ICROP will be attended by the Eastern Cape MEC for Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta; SASSA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Themba Matlou; SASSA Eastern Cape Regional Executive Manager, Mr Bandile Maqetuka; NDA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Susan Khumalo; and NDA Provincial Manager, Mrs Nokulunga Skeyi.
Members of the media are invited to attend as follows:
Oversight visit
Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026
Time: 10:00–10:45
Venue: Ilunge Sewing Cooperative, 9 Maqanyeni Location, Sibangweni Administrative Area, King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, OR Tambo District
Main event
Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026
Time: 08:00–16:00
Venue: Jongibandla Senior Primary School, eFameni, Mthatha, King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, OR Tambo District
Media confirmations
Ms Tabisa Nondwayi
Cell: 072 817 5372
E-mail: TabisaN@sassa.gov.za
Ms Lesego Ranchu
Cell: 073 547 2800
E-mail: lesegor@nda.org.za
Mr Mzukisi Solani
Cell: 082 375 7219
E-mail: mzukisi.solani@ecdsd.gov.za
Enquiries:
Dr Paseka Letsatsi
SASSA National Spokesperson
Cell: 082 883 9969
E-mail: PasekaL@sassa.gov.za
Ms Sandy Godlwana
Department of Social Development Head of Communication
Cell: 082 678 5634
E-mail: SandyG@dsd.gov.za
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