Issued by: SA Communication Service
The United Nations has declared 1996 the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty and October 17 has been designated the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
In March 1995, at the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, South Africa joined the nations of the world and pledged to eradicate poverty. As part of the community of nations, South Africans are aware of our international obligations to work for a world of peace and social justice.
South Africa itself has emerged from hatred and bitter separation to a new democracy of reconciliation, reconstruction and development. We have dedicated ourselves to the struggle for a nation where all may live in peace and harmony. While the legacy of the past has left a heavy burden, we will strive to find solutions.
SA is a nation of inequality, with one of the highest income differentials in the world. In the midst of modern technology and industry, is found poverty, hunger, disease, and over-crowding. Too many of our children die and are abused. For many of our youth, the chance of a job is remote. Crime has many communities in its grip. Women and rural people bear a great part of the burden of poverty.
It is clear that we need to address the problems of poverty to achieve long-term peace and sustainable development. The war against poverty has been declared the main task of our new democracy.
Macroeeconomic growth is the essential framework for combating poverty. As government, many targeted programmes have been implemented to alleviate poverty, in health, water supply, public works, welfare, education and elsewhere. There have been many special RDP programmes. Perhaps more importantly, the work of entire departments and the machinery of state are being redirected.
The theme we have chosen for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is "From Planning to Delivery". This indicates government resolve to build on the experience that has been developed. This experience had identified shortcomings, helped define new approaches, and increased the capacity to address delivery on a far wider scale. Frameworks and plans have been tested in the field, and they can be adjusted in the light of lessons learned.
On this day, government recommits itself to delivery, to integrated and practical implementation of programmes that combat poverty. Government is aware of many obstacles and difficulties, such as funding limitations, poor coordination, low capacity, conflicting interests, and even fraud and corruption. We can identify and minimise these problems, but no-one can promise a quick and easy path to sustainable social development.
It is not only government that must play its part in fighting poverty. Development begins at grassroots. Above all, community-based structures should play their part. Organised communities should define their needs, suggest alternatives, and initiate programmes with all sectors of society. NGO's, the religious sector, business - all sectors of society have a contribution to make. Together in partnership, the problems of poverty can be tackled.
On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, all South Africans stand together and pledge in unity to intensify our efforts to end the scourge of poverty in our land.
Full press kit regarding government projects for the eradication of poverty in South Africa are available from the Department of Welfare.
For more information: (Nicolene Beyers (012) 312 7849.
ISSUED BY: Interministerial Advisory Committee on Poverty and Inequality, Chaired by the Minister for Welfare and Population Development.
17 October 1996