Minister Dlamini takes Government's Festive Season campaign to Mkhanyakude
The Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, will on Thursday, 15 December, take government’s festive season campaign to Kwamhlabuyalinga in the Mkhanyakude District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
Umhlabuyalingana is a rural area located in northern KwaZulu-Natal comprising of eighteen municipal wards and four traditional councils of Mbila, Mabasa, Tembe and Mashabane.
It is during the festive season that many people abuse alcohol and drugs which results in irresponsible behaviour such as the abuse of vulnerable groups, in particular, women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
The Department of Social Development held dialogues with the respective communities and the outcomes reveal that the community has concerns about the abuse of dagga as well as older persons who are abused emotionally and financially.
Most disturbing findings identified at the dialogues include an alarming increase of substance abuse among young women. The Department of Social Development will deal with the issue of the abuse of alcohol and substance abuse affecting the communities.
Minister Dlamini will also be joined by officials of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) who will be assisting with applications especially those who are receiving social grants. Government recently announced that children who are receiving a social grant and accepted at institutions of higher learning will no longer be subjected to a means test.
Together we can build a society where everybody feels free; where everyone embraces their full potential; and is proud to be part of a safe community that cares.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event planned as follows:
Date: Thursday, 15 December 2016
Time: 12h00
Venue: Mangozi Stadium in Umhlabuyalingana, KZN Province
RSVPs:
Justice Malapane
Cell: 079 4977 426
E-mail: justiced@dsd.gov.za
Enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
