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MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, DR. ZOLA SKWEYIYA, TO ASSESS SERVICES AND CONDITIONS OF ORPHANS AND OTHER VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN MPUMALANGA PROVINCE.
The Minister of Social Development, Dr. Zola Skweyiya, will visit Mpumalanga tomorrow (4 October 2001) to assess the condition of the most vulnerable children especially those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS and poverty.
"We are now intensifying the campaign on the plight of these suffering children to ensure quick and decisive action and assistance by the whole of society. We dare not waste time. During my visit to the province last year, I was very alarmed and concerned about the growing rate of orphans and child-headed families as well the persistent stigma that affects these children and their families, particularly in areas such as Masoyi. We took some serious measures to assist including financial allocations and I want to see how far that help has gone and what other challenges are there for the government and indeed society as a whole to tackle," said the Minister.
During his two days visit the Minister will visit home and community-based care for HIV/AIDS victims, particularly children in areas such as Nelspruit, Malelane, Schoemansdal, Barberton and Groblersdal.
Minister Skweyiya will also hold Imbizos with the communities and meet various stakeholders like the business sector, NGOs, CBOs and FBOs.
The Minister is expected to pay a courtesy call to the Premier and Cabinet tomorrow morning.
During his visit, the Minister will be accompanied by the MEC for Welfare in the province, Ms. Busi Coleman, and other senior departmental officials.
This visit constitutes part of the Minister's campaign called "Nakekel' Izingane Yakh"Isizwe/ Care for the Children. Build the Nation" as well as the ongoing Social Development Month programme.
The Minister has already visited the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape and Gauteng.
Enquiries: Mbulelo Musi at 083 602 5895
Issued by: Ministry of Social Development, 3 October 2001