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The people of Ward 16 in Matatiele received a much-needed boost as government departments and non-profit organisations joined forces to deliver services directly to their doorstep through the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP).
Held at Likhetlane Junior Secondary School, the outreach was led by the Matatiele Local Municipality in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development, Department of Health, State Security Agency, Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, and several NGOs.
Matatiele Mayor Patrick Stuurman, addressed the community, highlighting the goal of ICROP:
“This initiative is about ensuring that no one is left behind. We are bringing government closer to the people, especially in remote areas that often go without access to essential services.”
The event provided a range of support, including, new school uniforms for over 20 learners, restoring dignity and confidence to their learning journey, food parcels to households impacted by malnutrition, fertilizer distribution to local cooperatives, aimed at boosting sustainable food production in the area.
The outreach forms part of the Eastern Cape government’s broader mission to fight poverty, tackle child hunger, and strengthen rural livelihoods through targeted support.
The day’s activities were well received by the community, reinforcing the importance of coordinated efforts in reaching marginalised citizens with timely and impactful assistance.
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