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The Minister of Social Services and Poverty Relief in the Western Cape will today deliver his budget speech in the Western Cape Parliament.

In his speech he says: "Recently there has been much talk of a kibbutz type facility for street children. It is my intention to host a round table discussion on the merits of service provision underpinned by a kibbutz type philosophy before we hurdle headlong into something about which we know very little."

The kibbutz system has developed in Israel under very specific circumstances and although the idea and the philosophy behind the system seems to be a credible and viable proposition, it is important that prior to implementing anything similar, we need to consult with all the involved parties.

Any consultations which take place will be take into account the principles of basic human rights and will have as the objective a system or facility which can assist people to develop into a self reliant and sustainable community.

The Minister therefore invites any interest parties to contact his office in this regard.

Enquiries: Derick de Villiers, 021 483 5457, 083 556 6165

Issued by the Office of the Minister of Social Services and Poverty Relief, 22 March 2001