The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has welcomed the presentation by the Department of Social Development about the White Paper on Families.

Approved by Parliament on 26 June 2013, the White Paper on Families was developed by the Department of Social Development in order to address the plight of families in South Africa.

Committee Chairperson Ms Zoleka Capa believes that the White Paper will go a long way in strengthening family units and ensure social cohesion.

“We call upon the social cluster departments to provide support in the implementation of this Paper, which will bring about positive change in society,” Ms Capa said.

According to the Deputy Minister of the Department of Social Development, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, the White Paper envisages South Africa that has got families that are loving, peaceful, safe, stable and economically self-sustaining and also that provide care and physical, emotional, psychological, financial, spiritual and intellectual support for their members.

She also said the department will use the 2013/14 annual report to provide a progress report on the implementation of the Paper.

On the other hand, Ms Capa said the presentation by the department will enable the Committee to identify priority issues in its upcoming strategic planning session scheduled for 25 to 26 September 2014.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT