13 July 2006
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba today visited the
Barberton Prison to deliver 23 identity documents (IDs) to inmates. This is
part of a programme by government to ensure that all people have access to IDs
in order to qualify for free basic services and socio-economic
opportunities.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament deployed in Barberton, the
local mayor and head of prison.
While handing over the documents, the Deputy Minister encouraged inmates to
study and also get involved in arts and culture in order to utilise these
skills when being re-integrated in the society.
Three cultural acts took place among which was a choral group that recently
won at the national festival of offenders. As a result, a number of government
departments are using the group to provide cultural item in most activities.
"This is a clear indication that government is hard at work to ensure a proper
rehabilitation of offenders," said the Deputy Minister.
Mr Gigaba later met about 200 stakeholders at the municipality hall. The
purpose of this interaction was to cement the partnership between government
and the people in order to strengthen service delivery to the needy.
"The department and the people of Mpumalanga and Barberton in particular
committed themselves to work together, especially in rural areas, to identify
those in need of departmental service and further ensure that these services
reaches the people at the right time," added Mr Gigaba.
The programme continues tomorrow, as follows:
Date: Friday, 14 July 2006
Time: 11h00
Venue: St John Mission
Purpose: Delivery of rectified documents
Time: 13h00
Venue: Barberton Hospital
Purpose: Launch of Child on Line registration
Time: 15h00
Venue: Lowscreek (outside Barberton)
Purpose: Mass registration for enabling documents
Enquiries:
Khulekani Ntshangase
Media Liaison for the Deputy Minister
Cell: 076 851 6168
Mantshele wa ga Tau
Acting Director: External Communications Strategies and Liaison
Tel: (012) 810 6315
Cell: 082 802 4814
E-mail: mantshele.tau@dha.gov.za
Tel: (012) 810 7130
Fax: (012) 810 7316
Cell: 082 904 3923
Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
13 July 2006
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