The Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, will tomorrow speak about the poverty situation in South Africa, essentially highlighting measures to eradicate extreme hunger and poverty. She has been invited to address a conference on poverty which is organised by the University of Johannesburg and Business Leadership South Africa.
Government has always maintained that the magnitude of the poverty situation in South Africa requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond social assistance. Essentially, the comprehensive response of our democratic state towards the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger combines cash transfers with social wage packages. This includes free primary health care for all, compulsory education for children aged between seven and thirteen as well as decent human settlements for the poor.
Minister Dlamini is scheduled to speak as follows:
Date: 21 July 2011
Time: 9h30 to 10h30
Venue: Protea Hotel, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
Co-organised by the University of Johannesburg and Business Leadership South Africa, the conference brings together delegates representing academics, business, civil society, multilateral aid agencies and donors as well as labour organisations. The conference aims at presenting, illustrating and debating global and local approaches, programmes and initiatives to poverty eradication.
“Poverty remains one of the greatest socio-economic challenges facing our government. The poverty conference is therefore very significant conference in the context of our work as a department tasked with the responsibility to build sustainable communities. The conference is also significant in the context of our work to achieve Goal one of the Millennium Development Goals," Minister Dlamini said.
Amongst other issues the Minister will outline government’s key poverty eradication programmes such as Early Childhood Development, Social Assistance, education and provision of basic services. Other dignitaries to address the colloquium include the MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng province, Ms Qedani Mahlangu and the Director for the Centre for Small Business Development at the University of Johannesburg, Dr Thami Mazwai.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event.
For RSVP:
Thapelo Sakoana
Cell: 082 420 7736
Abram Phahlamohlaka
Cell: 082 928 6590
Enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
Minister Dlamini to highlight measures of addressing poverty
