protection programmes in London
16 October 2007
The Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya is to visit London,
England on 17 to 19 October for discussions with the British government on
social protection and its importance for poverty reduction in South Africa.
Minister Skweyiya will on 18 October meet with Mr Mike O'Brien, the Minister of
State for Pension Reform and Baroness Shriti Vadera, Parliamentary under
Secretary of State, Department for International Development (DFID).
The Department of Social Development (DSD) obtains funding from DFID for
research programmes in the field of social policy, social protection, the fight
against HIV and AIDS and the eradication of child poverty amongst others.
Minister Skweyiya intends to discuss with the Britons, among other issues,
the new focus on the economics of social protection. He is expected to outline
co-operation and assistance South Africa would require taking the programme
forward.
Minister Skweyiya will also participate in an Overseas Development Institute
(ODI) seminar on South Africa's experiences in the provision of social
protection to vulnerable groups, in London. The theme of the seminar, to be
attended by various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) engaged in social
protection work, is: "The development impact of social transfers: lessons from
the South African experience." It will also take place on 18 October.
The initiative is hosted by the ODI and the Grow up Free from Poverty
Coalition. The Grow up Free Coalition is made up of 24 NGOs, faith groups and
civil society organisations. Its work focuses on the role of cash transfers in
both the reduction of poverty and facilitating access to other essential
services. The Minister will speak about how protecting vulnerable groups
produces development outcomes.
Enquiries:
Lakela Kaunda
Cell: 082 782 2575
Issued by: Department of Social Development
16 October 2007
