26 October 2006
Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Kgaogelo Lekgoro, today delivered the
keynote address at the Social Development Poverty Summit held at the Grace
Bible Church, in Soweto.
The summit, attended by over 1 400 delegates, is expected to deliberate
among others on how to implement the Social Development Strategy launched by
Premier Mbhazima Shilowa earlier this week.
The discussions of the summit will also look at the integrated social
delivery model, including the overview on the National Bills and Acts in
process and those that have been passed.
Delegates at the summit will later break into commissions, discussing the
following themes:
* integrated social delivery model (discussing gaps, challenges, strengths
and opportunities)
* financing and capacity building [discussing how to develop the leadership and
accountability strengths for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in
previously disadvantaged areas where services are mostly needed and the
department does not necessarily have skilled and organised partners]
* transformation (discussing whether we are transforming the manner in which
services are delivered to communities)
* partnerships (discussing how to improve our relations with business and
community stakeholders on the ground, the nature of the partnerships we have
with the NGOs and to increase our offensive to fight poverty, economic
exclusion and marginalisation of the poor.
MEC Lekgoro said economic growth is the driving force behind social
development. "Urban poverty is a feature of our province. Social ills affect
black communities the most and as we work out solutions in general for all
communities in the province, particular attention must be given to these
disadvantaged communities. We must do so not in order to control, manage or
run, but to empower individuals, households and communities to deal with
problems and be self-reliant," he said.
Enquiries:
Fred Mokoko
Tel: (011) 355 7977
Cell: 082 447 8407
Issued by: Department of Social Development, Gauteng Provincial
Government
26 October 2006
