Z Skweyiya on community food banking networks

6 April 2009

The Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, today, 6 April 2009,
pledged the department‘s support to work closely with the community food
banking networks at the inauguration of Food Bank South Africa (FBSA), in Cape
Town. The inauguration was graced by the presence of the Deputy Minister of
Agriculture, Advocate Dirk du Toit, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, the CEO of the
Global Food Banking Network, Mr Robert Forney. The event was also attended by
representatives of the national food donors, funders and food distribution
agencies.

Addressing representatives of the business sector, government and civil
society organisations, the Minister called for focus on rural poverty in the
face of the current global financial crisis and the rising prices of basic
foods.

“Government alone can not adequately address poverty and hunger issues in
this country, hence the call for civil society organisations, the private to
work with government in this programme,” said Dr Skweyiya.

At the pledge signing ceremony, the Minister committed government to partner
with the private sector, non governmental organisations sector and the faith
based organisations sector to fight against hunger, malnutrition as well as
extreme deprivation. The Minister expressed hope that this programme will
contribute to the eradication of rural poverty and benefit vulnerable children
and families in dire need of basic services.

The pledge symbolises government, business and civil society‘s continued
commitment and partnership to eradicate poverty and improve the quality of
lives of all South Africans.

Enquiries
Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 330 1148

Issued by: Department of Social Development
6 April 2009