Issued by: Ministry of Social Development
2 October, 2001
The Minister of Social Development Dr. Zola Skweyiya has called for a policy that would decriminalise migration and infuse a human rights perspective of development that enhances improved service delivery for the poorest of the poor in the Southern African region.
"Some of the constraints that continue to plague migration studies are the historical criminalisation of migration in and into South Africa and the xenophobic attitudes of many South Africans. The human rights culture that we are striving to entrench in our region must extend to all the people who live in it." Said the Minister.
The Minister addressed a population conference at 11:00 at the University of Pretoria jointly organised by the department of Social Development in Gauteng and the Demographic Society of Southern Africa.
The Conference is attended by representatives from Southern African States, United Nations Agencies as well as demographers from all over the country.
The Director - General of the Department of Social Development Ms. Angela Bester has urged demographic researchers to enhance closer collaboration within the various spheres of government, promote service delivery to the poor and enhance effective and efficient planning and use of information and resources.
The theme of the conference is: "Migration and Development"
Enquiries : Mbulelo Musi
Cell : 083 602 5795