Department of Local Government, Western Cape and Saldanha Bay Municipality hosted a successful two-day Thusong Outreach

The Department of Local Government, Western Cape, through the Thusong Programme, in partnership with Saldanha Bay Municipality, successfully hosted a two-day Thusong Outreach Project on 18 and 19 February 2026 in the communities of Louwville, Yskor, Lapland, Hopland, Ongegund, George Kerridge and Witteklip, Vredenburg.

The outreach aimed to bring essential government services directly to residents, ensuring improved access to information, assistance, and support. Various departments and stakeholders were present to engage with community members, address inquiries and provide on-the-spot services.

The initiative form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between government and communities, promote integrated service delivery and address local needs effectively. Residents welcomed the opportunity to interact directly with officials and access multiple services in one convenient location.

The Thusong Outreach Project once again demonstrated the value of coordinated service delivery and reaffirmed all partners' commitment to improving the quality of life for communities across the Saldanha Bay municipal area.

During the two-day event, community members assisted with a wide range of services, including:

• Department of Home Affairs – Assistance with ID applications, birth certificates, and other civic services.
• SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) – Support with social grant  enquiries.
• South African Police Service (SAPS) – Community safety information and related services.
• South African Revenue Service (SARS) – e-filing, tax returns,  queries and compliance support.
• Department of Health – Health screenings, wellness information, and primary healthcare services.
• Department of Agriculture – Support and advisory services to emerging and small-scale farmers.
• Department of Rural Development and Land Reform – Assistance with land claims and other enquiries
• Western Cape Department of Human Settlements – Housing applications and housing subsidy enquiries.

The outreach was well received by community members, who appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with government representatives and access multiple services at one central venue.

 “Ms. Emily Mentoor, who was applying for an ID book for her son for the first time, said it was a good initiative that the government and municipality brought to their community. However, the only challenge was that some people did not have money, such as child grant funds, to pay the required amount.”

Mr. Mawande Venfolo said they are happy that the service is coming closer to their community. He mentioned that Home Affairs is one of the departments that serves the entire West Coast, and that people are often turned away because it is too full and/or about to close in Vredenburg.

He suggested that if the service could come at least once a month, it would be very helpful. However, he also noted that some programmes assist schoolchildren, and during the visits, the children are often at school.

“He added that these services are very scarce in their community and would greatly benefit local residents.” He said.

The Department of Local Government, Western Cape, and Saldanha Bay Municipality remain committed to strengthening service delivery and ensuring that government services are accessible, responsive and people-centred.

Media Enquiries:
Ms. Abigail Robinson 
Director: Service Delivery Integration
Tel: 021 483 5106
Cell: 073 962 5249
Email: Abigail.Robinson@westerncape.gov.za