Minister Tolashe to Visit Komani to Deliver Key Social Services

Minister Returns to Komani for Second Visit to Fast-Track Service Delivery

Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, will bring the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) back to Komani on Friday, 28 November 2025, marking her second visit to the town in just four months. The outreach will take place at Nonzwakazi Methodist Church in Mlungisi Township and forms part of the minister’s push to accelerate access to government services in vulnerable communities across South Africa.

The initiative is designed to strengthen direct interaction between government departments and residents, ensuring that social services — particularly those provided by the Department of Social Development (DSD), the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and the National Development Agency (NDA) — are delivered more efficiently.

A Community Still Facing Deep Social Hardships

During the Minister’s previous visit, Komani residents highlighted several ongoing social challenges that continue to affect households across Mlungisi, Ezibeleni, and surrounding areas. Among the most serious concerns raised were:

• Gender-based violence

• Child abuse

• Rising poverty levels

• Child malnutrition

• Substance abuse

• Barriers in accessing social grants and documentation

These issues remain widespread in parts of the Eastern Cape, including the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, where unemployment, food insecurity, and structural poverty continue to intensify the daily struggles of many families.

The return of ICROP to Komani reflects a focused effort by national and provincial leadership to confront these problems head-on through outreach, registration drives, training programmes, and multi-departmental service activation.

Services to Be Offered at the ICROP Outreach

The 28 November engagement will allow residents to access a wide range of government services without needing to travel long distances or wait in long queues. Departments and entities expected to participate include Social Development, Home Affairs, Health, SASSA, and the NDA.

Services to be made available on the day include:

• Social grant applications

• COVID-19 SRD grant support

• Social grant reviews and enquiries

• ID and documentation services

• Information on substance abuse support

• GBV support pathways and protection services

• Community development initiatives

• Progress reports on NGO and civil society empowerment programmes

The NDA will also present its progress on strengthening local civil society organisations through training and governance programmes, a commitment made during the Minister’s previous visit.

Outreach Aligned With National Campaigns

The Komani visit comes as South Africa observes two significant national campaigns:

• Disability Rights Awareness Month

• 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children

These campaigns focus on the rights, safety, and well-being of vulnerable groups — areas that align directly with the minister’s mandate and the issues raised by Komani residents.

Gender-based violence remains one of the most severe concerns in the region. Eastern Cape police statistics have repeatedly shown that women and children face elevated risks in certain communities, and many survivors rely heavily on the services coordinated by DSD and its partners.

Minister Tolashe is expected to emphasise support for GBV survivors, the empowerment of women, better access to social protection, and accountability for perpetrators — all of which were repeatedly raised by the community during her last visit.

Ensuring Alignment With the District Development Model

ICROP is also used as a monitoring tool to assess whether government services align with the District Development Model (DDM), which promotes coordinated service delivery across local, district, and provincial levels. By bringing multiple departments into one community space, the outreach aims to reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and strengthen accountability.

The Minister will be accompanied by several senior government leaders, including Eastern Cape Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou, acting NDA CEO Raphaahle Ramokgopa, and regional SASSA executives.

Media Access and Coverage Details

Journalists are invited to cover the event as government leaders engage directly with Komani residents:

• Date: Friday, 28 November 2025

• Time: 08:00

• Venue: Nonzwakazi Methodist Church, Mlungisi Township, Eastern Cape

Media enquiries and RSVPs may be directed to officials from the Department of Social Development, SASSA, and the Eastern Cape provincial communication teams.