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6 April 2009

The Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, today, 6 April 2009, pledged the department‘s support to work closely with the community food banking networks at the inauguration of Food Bank South Africa (FBSA), in Cape Town. The inauguration was graced by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Advocate Dirk du Toit, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, the CEO of the Global Food Banking Network, Mr Robert Forney. The event was also attended by representatives of the national food donors, funders and food distribution agencies.

Addressing representatives of the business sector, government and civil society organisations, the Minister called for focus on rural poverty in the face of the current global financial crisis and the rising prices of basic foods.

“Government alone can not adequately address poverty and hunger issues in this country, hence the call for civil society organisations, the private to work with government in this programme,” said Dr Skweyiya.

At the pledge signing ceremony, the Minister committed government to partner with the private sector, non governmental organisations sector and the faith based organisations sector to fight against hunger, malnutrition as well as extreme deprivation. The Minister expressed hope that this programme will contribute to the eradication of rural poverty and benefit vulnerable children and families in dire need of basic services.

The pledge symbolises government, business and civil society‘s continued commitment and partnership to eradicate poverty and improve the quality of lives of all South Africans.

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Issued by: Department of Social Development
6 April 2009