The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and the World Bank Country Director, Dr Paul Noumba Um will launch the poverty and inequality assessment report which is the culmination of a collaborative research initiative that commenced in 2016.

The initiative involves evidence-based research with the aim to contribute to the reduction of poverty and inequality in South Africa as envisaged in the National Development Plan (NDP). The research documents South Africa’s progress in reducing poverty and inequality from 1994 to 2015, with a focus on identifying the drivers, challenges, and possible policy actions.

The study builds on the existing work and knowledge base that includes large sample surveys, panel data, detailed evaluations and impact assessments, as well as qualitative studies. The outcomes of the research are expected to feed into national planning and poverty monitoring activities.

Several consultative workshops with various government departments and academics have been held since the inception of the study. The workshops gave government departments an opportunity to deliberate on the draft concept (discussion) note for the study, identify gaps and share insights that could enhance the quality of the research. Comments and feedback from South African policymakers helped to ensure that the assessment is of high quality, avoids duplication and responds to the policy needs and environment.

Media are invited to attend the launch as follows:

Date:  Tuesday, 27 March 2018
Venue:  Union Buildings, Room 159
Time: 14h00- 16h00
 
14h00 – 14h05         Opening and Welcome by  Mr Tshediso Matona, Secretary for Planning
14h05 – 14h15         Remark by the Statistician General  Mr Risenga Maluleke
14h15 – 14h25         Remark by World Bank Country Director Dr Paul Noumba Um
14h25 – 14h45         Keynote address by Minister in the Presidency for Planning Monitoring and Evaluation and Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
14h45 – 15h05         Presentation of the report  by World Bank
15h05 – 15h55         Panel discussion Dr Masiteng: DDG DPME World Bank, Labour  and Academic Representative
15h55 – 16h00         Q & A  and media interviews
 
Members of the media are advised to submit their details as follows: name, media house and ID number  to Jackson Maila on Jackson.Maila@dpme.gov.za  by 17h00 today , 26  March 2018.
 
Enquiries: Tshegofatso.Modubu@dpme.gov.za / 083 276 0786 or Mmabatho Ramompi on 076 4803513 or Mmabatho.Ramompi@dpme.gov.za
 
Zandi Ratshitanga/ zratshitanga@worldbank.org/ 073 888 5962