As part of its contribution to the consolidation of the African Agenda, the Department of Social Development will host a delegation of Zimbabwean officials the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs from 31 October to 4 November 2011.
During the visit the delegation will visit various institutions including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and shelters for victims of abuse and violence. Increasingly South Africa is receiving children migrating from Zimbabwe who cross borders without parents, relatives or care-givers, especially in areas such as Musina and Makhado in Limpopo province.
Commonly referred to as unaccompanied and undocumented minors, these children leave their country of origin for a number of reasons, including economic and social challenges. There has also been a noticeable increase of people with disabilities from Zimbabwe to South Africa in recent years.
Like all other children, undocumented and unaccompanied minors need care and protection. South Africa is a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which states that in all actions concerning children, the best interest of the child shall be a primary consideration. In addition, South Africa’s progressive Constitution and the Children’s Act protect unaccompanied minors to the same extent as South African children.
The delegation will therefore explore various ways in which both countries can collaborate on matters pertaining to the unaccompanied and undocumented minors entering South Africa from Zimbabwe.
The visit will culminate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe on cooperation in the field of Social Development. The agreement will be signed by Minister Dlamini and her Zimbabwean counterpart.
The cooperation agreement will focus on children, HIV and AIDS, substance abuse, disability and older persons.
Members of the media are invited and cover the event as follows:
Date: 3 November 2011
Time: 17h30 for 18h00
Venue: Monument Park, Pretoria
RSVP: Justice Ditshego 079 497 7426 or Thapelo Sakoana 082 420 7736
Enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
