Introduction
The month of March is associated with Human Rights. We observed International Women’s Day on 8 March, celebrating women’s economic, political and social achievements. On Friday, 15 March, we will focus on Consumer Rights. Like everywhere else in the world, KwaZulu-Natal will use the occasion to inform consumers of their rights and to expose the damage caused by poor consumer protection. Also on 15 March, International Child Finance Week will be kicking off, turning the spotlight on financial inclusion and economic citizenship for children and youth. On 21 March we reflect on human rights and dignity for all South Africans.
Today we are talking money, and we are reminded of our beloved Madiba’s dream of sustainable economic freedom for all. In the former president’s words, “Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will.”
Helping us to achieve this dream are some of our stakeholders in the gallery today: representatives from financial institutions, business chambers, accounting firms, organised labour and officials of government departments. Also present today is the steering committee of the KwaZulu-Natal Financial Literacy Association. The Association works in partnership with Provincial Treasury and other government departments in its vision to reduce poverty by expanding social and economic opportunity for all citizens of KwaZulu-Natal through financial education.
Full Speech [PDF]
