Issued by: Ministry for Welfare and Population Development
16 October 1997
STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR WELFARE AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT GERALDINE FRASER-MOLEKETI ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY ON OCTOBER 17
As we mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, it is useful to look back at what this government has achieved in the three-and-a half years since ascending to power with the mandate to transform, reconstruct and develop the country.
Much has been achieved, although much still needs to be done as we confront the country's greatest challenge: eradicating poverty and inequality.
In March 1995, at the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, South Africa joined the nations of the world when it pledged to eradicate poverty. As a government, we are aware of our international obligations to work for a world of peace and social justice.
But it is clear that in our own country there will be no long-term peace, security or social justice unless we address the problems of poverty and achieve sustainable development. This realisation is accurately summed up in the recently signed "War on Poverty" Declaration.
The declaration, signed by an alliance of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the religious community, the labour movement and government says in its preamble:
"The war on poverty and inequality is South Africa's most important priority and our greatest challenge. Eradicating poverty is essential to consolidate the gains of our new democracy. It is a precondition for social justice, peace and security in our land."
Poverty is about lack of access, lack of power, lack of income and resources to make choices and take advantage of opportunities. In other words, poverty is not just about those who are poor in terms of income. It affects everybody, not just those who are its victims. The entire society suffers from the loss of people's creativity and potential.
Among comparable middle-income developing countries, South Africa has one of the worst records in terms of social indicators (health, education, safe water, fertility) and among the worst records for income inequality. Indeed, its social indicators are not very different from those of some low-income sub-Saharan countries.
A study conducted on behalf of the former Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) Ministry, found in 1995 that poverty in South Africa has a strong race dimension, as well a strong rural dimension, regional dimension, employment dimension and strong gender and age dimension.
These are the features and the faces of poverty. The poor are not an undifferentiated mass, but are individuals, men, women and children, but often whole communities with their own matrix of circumstances, who have a unique contribution to make.
To tackle these problems, an active and developmental state that works for its citizens is central to the fight against poverty and inequality. The State is there to promote, protect, respect and fulfil all the rights in the Bill of Rights.
As part of Welfare's contribution, President Nelson Mandela and 23 Cabinet Ministers have signed the Declaration on the War on Poverty.
Provincial activities have been organised in several areas to mark the day:
The Gauteng legislature has arranged a debate led by the Welfare Portfolio Committee from 10 am to noon on 17 October.
In the Western Cape the Welfare Department along with other government departments has organised a programme at the Medical Research Council Building in Bellville.
On Saturday 18 October the Northern Cape Welfare Department has organised a Poverty Summit in Upington.
In the Free State the Welfare Department has arranged a flea market in Welkom at the Sanlam Plaza.
Issued by the Ministry for Welfare and Population Development. Cape Town. Contact Person: Brian Sokutu Ph 021-45 4011 (w) 021-396 1221 (h)