The Department of Social Development and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will host a two-day seminar under the theme: Prospects for the Demographic Dividend in South Africa” to commemorate the World Population Day on 11 July 2011.
The purpose of this seminar is to engage and draw the general public’s attention to the significance of population and development issues.
The details are as follows:
Date: 11 to 12 July 2011
Time: 09h00 to 16h00
Venue: Southern Sun Hotel, c/o Beatrix and Church Street, Pretoria
The theme of this year’s commemoration focuses on young people who constitute the majority of the population in South Africa and many other developing countries. This year, the World Population Day holds significant meaning for South Africa and the global world. According to the 2010 Revision of the World Population Prospects the world population is projected to reach R7 billion on 31 October 2011. In the same month, Statistics South Africa will be collecting census data throughout the country.
The data collected from Census 2011 is very important for government to consolidate its achievements in key areas such as the provision of health, education, water, electricity and housing. The data is also essential to monitor progress as government strives to achieve the goals and targets set out in the five priorities as well as measuring progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
The Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini will deliver a keynote address at the seminar. The Minister will be joined by the Deputy Minister Ms Maria Ntuli, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Dr Augustinho Zacarius, Mr Mark Schreiner of the UNFPA and the chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Mr Andile Lungisa . During the seminar researchers and population experts will present papers that reflect different aspects of the state of the South Africa’s youth and prospects for development.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the seminar.
Enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
For RSVPs:
Abram Phahlamohlaka
Cell: 082 928 6590
Thapelo Sakoana
Cell: 082 420 7736
