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The Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, will join Deputy President Jacob Zuma to lead a high level government and private sector delegation to Mt Frere in the Eastern Cape, (on Sunday, the 13th, from 09:00-14:00), where significant joint measures to assist poor and vulnerable children will be outlined.

"Our objective is to turn the situation around in that area and make sure that the frontier of poverty is pushed back, from children in particular. We are heartened by the growing involvement of the private sector in assisting us to tackle these huge challenges. We all owe it to our children and our future to build a better life, especially for children," said the Minister.

Deputy President Zuma and Minister Skweyiya will also be joined by, amongst others, the Eastern Cape Premier Makhenkesi Stofile, MECs, mayors, representatives of the private sector as well as thousands of members of the community.

The visit constitutes part of the Imbizo and Public Service Week, which is taking place from the 7th - 13th October 2002. Its objective is to ensure government interaction with communities with particular focus given on the registration of children for grants. The Alfred Nzo District has been experiencing the death of children from malnutrition, which prompted Ministers Skweyiya and Thoko Didiza to undertake a fact-finding mission recently.

The Theme for the Imbizo Focus Week and the entire Social Development Month (October) is "Lend a Hand to Protect Children's Rights."

The government has set a target of registering 3 million children by the year 2005. Currently 2,3 million are beneficiaries of the Child Support Grants.

Enquiries: Mbulelo Musi @ 082 904 3395

Issued by Ministry of Social Development

11 October 2002