Source: Ministry of Social Development
Title: Social Development Month:
Skweyiya addresses poverty congress, 17 Oct
MINISTER TO ADDRESS CONFERENCE TO MARK INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY.
The Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, will give a keynote address at a conference organised to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October 2002), which will take place at the Karoo Recreation Hall, in Beaufort West, Western Cape.
"This is indeed a very significant conference that takes place on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Poverty is one of the greatest political, social and economic challenges of the 21st century. We urge that most of our efforts and attention be given to children when addressing this question," the Minister said.
"This conference is also a reflection that poverty eradication not only tops the agenda of government but it reflects our commitment to ensure the accelerated implementation of poverty alleviation programmes and projects in the most impoverished communities like Beaufort West," Dr Skweyiya said.
Beaufort West is one of the 21 nodal points, which President Thabo Mbeki has identified as priority for the implementation of the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme.
The Western Cape MEC for Social Services and Poverty Alleviation, Mr Marius Fransman, and CEO of the National Development Agency, Mr Delani Mthembu, will sign a historic co-operation agreement on poverty alleviation projects.
Over 200 participants from amongst others non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, local government and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) are expected to take part.
The CSIR will also present its recent research findings on the poverty situation in the Western Cape how to alleviate it.
17 October has been declared International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. It is a day on which all member countries of the United Nations, NGOs and organs of civil society globally take stock of government policies and programmes to eradicate poverty.
Particular focus is being given to poverty and its effects on children in South Africa in October (Social Development Month). The theme: Lend a Hand to Protect Children's Rights.
Enquiries: Mbulelo Musi @ 082 904 3395
Issued by Ministry of Social Development
15 October 2002
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