Z Skweyiya on International Day for Families

10 May 2006

The Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya has urged all families
and stakeholders to observe the International Day for Families on Monday 15
May, and to commit themselves to promote the family as an institution.

The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 20
September 2003. It is used to promote awareness of issues relating to families
as basic units of society, as well as to promote appropriate action. This
year’s theme is “Changing Families: Challenges and Opportunities”.

Said Minister Skweyiya: “The family is the basic and most critical unit of
society, as it is the foundation upon which communities and nations are
founded. We need to do all we can as government and other stakeholders, to
provide support to families, especially in light of the challenges we face. The
social ills such as domestic violence, substance abuse, children living in the
streets and others are all symptoms of disintegration in some family units. We
need to act together to promote this institution, to build stronger
communities.”

Dr Skweyiya is also concerned about the impact of poverty, unemployment and
HIV and AIDS on families. “The impact of the social transition as well as
current socio-economic challenges have changed the face and structure of
families, with a recent increase in the phenomenon of orphaned and vulnerable
children as characterised by child-headed households. We cannot overemphasise
the fact that unless communities and society takes charge and instil the
age-old values of ‘your child is my child’, we cannot possibly address the
social conditions faced by children.”

The national celebration event for this year’s International Day of Families
will take place at the Ga-Malebogo Sports Ground, Ga-Malebogo, Limpopo
Province. The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Dr Jean Benjamin, will
officiate.

“Government, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions,
religious groups and individuals will promote a better understanding of the
functions and challenges, strengths and needs of families by organising
observance of the International Day of Families,” said Deputy Minister
Benjamin.

She urged families to use this day, as well as occasions such as Mother’s
Day on Sunday 14 May, to promote love, understanding and emotional security
within families.

The Department is currently finalising a National Family Policy. The policy
promotes the role of the family as the core of society and the primary societal
institution, so as to ensure the development of its constituents as active and
independent members of society. It is informed by the principle that the family
is central to the general well-being of individuals in relation to their
psychosocial, emotional, physical, spiritual and economic needs.

For more information contact:
Lakela Kaunda
Tel: (012) 312 7653
Cell: 082 782 2575
E-mail: Lakela.Kaunda@socdev.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Social Development
10 May 2006
Source: Department of Social Development (http://www.socdev.gov.za)