By Nasiphi Mabusela, Icamagu News Reporter Images: GCIS

EAST LONDON – Government and non-profit organizations joined forces at the East London taxi rank yesterday as part of Freedom Month activities, providing vital information and services to community members.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) led the initiative, focusing primarily on Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) voter education and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) services. Officials provided information about Freedom Month celebrations while assisting residents with SASSA card replacements.

With local government elections scheduled for next year, IEC representatives were on hand to help community members register to vote and verify their voting stations. The electoral body provided comprehensive information about the voting process to ensure better participation in the upcoming elections.

Bumbingomso, a local youth development initiative, participated in the outreach by educating attendees about gender-based violence (GBV), youth empowerment opportunities, and safe sex practices. The organization distributed condoms as part of their sexual health awareness campaign.

“People were being equipped about places where they should go should they face abuse, harassment and many more issues,” said one of the organizers. The event also addressed documentation challenges, providing assistance to children without birth certificates and elderly residents experiencing problems with their social grants.

The multi-service outreach day successfully connected East London residents with essential government services and information in a convenient and accessible location.

@icamagunews