MEC Vilakazi and Sassa take services to the people in Douglas

THE NORTHERN Cape MEC for Social Development, Nontobeko Vilakazi, will lead a major Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) at the Breipaal Community Hall in Douglas on Friday, October 24.

The outreach, hosted in partnership with the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), aims to bring key government and social services directly to residents of the Pixley ka Seme District, particularly those in remote and underserved areas.

ICROP is one of Sassa’s flagship initiatives designed to simplify access to essential services by reducing travel distances, cutting costs, and streamlining administrative processes. The programme forms part of Social Development Month, celebrated every October, underlining the government’s commitment to building stronger social protection systems and supporting vulnerable communities.

Douglas continues to face several social challenges, and the initiative seeks to empower residents by connecting them to various government and stakeholder services in one easily accessible location.

Wide range of on-site services

During the outreach, residents will be able to access:

• Social grant applications and enquiries
• Assistance with birth certificates and identity documents
• Support for victims of gender-based violence and substance abuse
• Social work services and referrals
• Services from the National Development Agency (NDA) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)
• Financial literacy and advisory support from financial institutions
• Services from the South African Police Service (SAPS)
• Food security and agricultural development support programmes
• And many other government and community-based services

The day’s programme will open with a community dialogue session, providing a platform for MEC Vilakazi and government representatives to engage directly with residents. This will be followed by on-site service delivery co-ordinated by officials from the Department of Social Development, Sassa, and other participating partners.

MEC Vilakazi will be joined by political leaders, senior departmental officials, and representatives from all three spheres of government, “reaffirming a shared commitment to responsive, integrated, and people-centred service delivery”.

Event details

Date: Friday, October 24, 2025

Time: From 9am

Venue: Breipaal Community Hall, Douglas, Pixley ka Seme District Municipality

The Department of Social Development has encouraged all residents of Douglas and surrounding areas to attend and make use of the services available through this community-driven outreach initiative.