23 November 2006
The Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, this morning signed
co-operation agreements with his counterparts in the governments of the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mauritius. The agreements were signed on
the sidelines of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministers'
conference on social policy which was officially opened this morning at the
Sandton Convention Centre by Dr Skweyiya. The conference ends tomorrow, Friday,
24 November 2006.
Dr Skweyiya signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mr Laurent Otete
Omanga W-Otete, Minister of Social Affairs in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The agreement promotes co-operation in support to displaced families and
refugees, HIV and AIDS programmes as well as development and integration of
vulnerable groups such as children, older persons, people with disabilities and
youth.
"Through this agreement, we are looking forward to contributing to the
social reconstruction and development of the DRC, in the country's new path
towards democracy," said Dr Skweyiya.
The agreement with Mauritius was signed with Ms Sheilabhai Bappoo, Minister
of National Solidarity and Senior Citizens Welfare and Reform. It enables
co-operation on, among others, assistance to vulnerable communities, drug and
substance abuse, capacity building for civil society organisations as well as
on HIV and AIDS programmes.
Enquiries:
Lakela Kaunda
Cell: 082 782 2575
Issued by: Department of Social Development
23 November 2006
