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The Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, visited the flooded areas of KTC where he has announced that he has sent a proposal to the President that the affected areas must be declared disaster areas.

"The problem of floods cannot only be solved by declaration of them as disaster areas but it also requires that issues of land, housing and other social needs be addressed so that the quality of life of people is improved."

The Minister also said that it is important that there be close cooperation between local, provincial and national Government as well as civil society if the complex problems facing the communities at these areas can be worked at in a sustainable way.

The Minister was addressing over five thousand people in the various areas affected by floods.

"I call on the children and the parents, especially women, to work together with the Government in ensuring that we give care and love to children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS especially orphans and child headed families."

The Minister is currently on a two-day road show in the Western Cape under the theme "Nakekel' Izingane.Yakh' Isizwe", "Care for the Children" "Build the Nation".

The Minister has thanked and commended the Muslim community led by Imam Solomon for contributing R150 000.00 to assist victims of floods in the surrounding areas of Cape Town.

Imam Solomon said the money will be donated from Tuesday to assist families.

The Minister also called on the business community and faith-based organisations to follow this initiative so that we can all build a caring society together.

Enquiries: Mbulelo Musi at 083 602 5795

Issued by: Ministry of Social Development, 24 August 2001