MINISTER URGES COMMUNITIES TO UNITE TO SUPPORT AND PROTECT THE MOST VULNERABLE OF OUR SOCIETY

Issued by: Ministry of Social Development

1 October 2001

The Minister of Social Development Dr. Zola Skweyiya, called on communities to work together during Social Development Month (SDM) and beyond to support and protect the most vulnerable of society like the elderly persons; children - especially those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS - people with disabilities and unemployed women.

The Minister launched Social Development Month this weekend in Kwa-Thema, Springs on the East Rand. Social Development Month is held annually in October and aims to inform educate and mobilise on various social development policies and programmes. I October also commemorates the International Day of Older Persons.

He said particular attention must be given to older persons and children.

They, more than anyone else, bear the main brunt of the socio-economic ills like poverty and HIV/AIDS. He urged the youth in particular to join the fight in stopping the abuse of our elders ensure that our older citizens, who are the custodians of our rich history and heritage, get love and care at all times.

The rally in Kwa-Thema was attended by thousands of people, mostly elderly people.

The Department of Social Development has organised over 100 activities provincially and nationally throughout the country during October.

These include:-

• Older persons celebrations on 1st October in all the provinces, (except Gauteng) which marked its event in Kwa-Thema over the weekend
• Southern African Regional Conference on Migration at the University of Pretoria 2nd - 4th October 2001
• Minister Skweyiya's continues with the Nakekel"Izingane. Yakh'Isizwe Campaign in Mpumalanga to look at the plight of children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS - (4th & 5th October 2001)
• International Day for the eradication of Poverty -=09 (17th October 2001)
• Minister Skweyiya's Round Table Conference with United Nations Agencies.

(29th October 2001)

• Minister Skweyiya's Conference with the business to discuss co-operation in the fight against poverty and HIV/AIDS (Ist week of November 2001)

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