By Precious Mupenzi
- Residents engaged openly with Minister Sisisi Tolashe, raising concerns on disability support, GBVF and access to services during the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) outreach.
- Disability inclusion emerges as a central issue: Caregivers highlighted challenges around grant transitions, accessible housing and long-term support for children living with disabilities.
- Services delivered where people live: On-site grant approvals and the distribution of school uniforms provided immediate relief, demonstrating government’s commitment to practical, people-centred service delivery.
The Mbekweni Sports Ground in Paarl became more than a service point; it transformed into a space of relief, engagement, and renewed hope as community members met face-to-face with the Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, during the Ministerial Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP).
For many residents, the day was not only about raising concerns but about being heard. Parents, older persons and caregivers of children with disabilities shared their daily challenges directly with the Minister and her executive leadership.
Addressing residents, Minister Tolashe emphasised the central role of families in protecting children and building resilient communities.
“Parents must be at the centre of their children’s lives. Strong families build resilient communities, protect children and help prevent social ills such as violence in our communities,” said Minister Tolashe.
The Minister also used the engagement to reinforce the government’s stance against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), calling on families and communities to play an active role in protecting women and children.
“Violence starts where families break down. We must work together as communities to protect women and children and ensure perpetrators are held accountable,” she said.
Disability concerns dominate the dialogue.
A key theme emerging from the discussions was the challenges faced by families caring for children living with disabilities. Caregivers highlighted difficulties experienced when children turn 18 and transition from the Care Dependency Grant to the Disability Grant. Many expressed concern that even permanent conditions are often approved as temporary, creating uncertainty for families.
Residents also raised issues around housing, noting that many RDP houses are not disability-friendly and fail to adequately accommodate persons with disabilities.
Older persons and access to services
Older persons appealed for the establishment of a nearby residential care facility, while other residents called for the local Thusong Service Centre to offer a full basket of government services so they do not have to travel to Paarl for assistance.
The Minister acknowledged the concerns and, together with her executive, committed to returning to Mbekweni as part of ongoing efforts to work towards sustainable solutions.
Immediate relief for families
Beyond dialogue, the outreach delivered tangible support to community members. Several grant applications were processed and approved on-site, bringing immediate relief to beneficiaries. School uniforms were also handed over to children, restoring dignity and easing the burden on struggling families.
The smiles of parents and learners reflected the purpose of the outreach — bringing services to people where they live and responding to real human needs.
The ICROP initiative continues to reinforce government’s commitment to strengthening integrated service delivery, ensuring that vulnerable communities are supported not only through policy but through practical interventions that change lives and build safer families and communities.
