Issued by: Ministry of Social Development
19 September 2002
The Ministers of Social Development and Agriculture and Land Affairs will tomorrow undertake a fact finding mission on the conditions of children dying of malnutrition in the Eastern Cape.
Social Development Minister Dr Zola Skweyiya and Agriculture and Land affairs Minister Ms T.A. Didiza will interact with researchers, professional bodies, representatives from the provincial government, non-governmental organisations and faith based-organisations from the areas affected.
The areas reportedly affected by the death of children from malnutrition in the Eastern Cape include Mt. Ayliff, Mount Frere, Mt. Fletcher, Maluti, Umzimkulu and Lusikisiki. The Ministers will visit hospitals in Rietvallei, Mt Frere and Mt Ayliff.
The Ministers will then report the findings and later visit the areas in October to brief the communities about government programmes to tackle the situation of poverty, especially with regard to children.
Enquiries: Mbulelo Musi, 082 904 3395
Nana Zenani, 082 378 2943