'Don't politicise food aid'
2003-10-07 20:32
Durban - Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya on Tuesday appealed to political formations to desist from politicising food distribution to the vulnerable sectors of society.
Addressing religious leaders in KwaZulu-Natal as part of Social Development Month, Skweyiya also appealed to the leaders to partner with the government, business and civil society in identifying vulnerable children to receive government assistance.
"Our partnership with the faith-based organisations and the religious fraternity in particular has resulted in improved access to social services by millions of South Africans, especially children."
He said to date more than 3.8 million children were registered for the child support grant and about two million older persons had access to old age grants.
"I want to thank the religious fraternity for this monumental achievement and appeal to them to continue this partnership with us in registering all children under nine years of age," the minister said.
Working in partnership
The religious fraternity and the Department of Social Development is working in partnership to ensure easy access to social services provided by government.
Skweyiya said it is regrettable that food distribution to over 8 000 people in the Eshowe area had to be changed because of apparent political tension.
"We have a duty as South Africans to work together to extricate children and vulnerable people from hunger and poverty and what has happened in Eshowe is indeed regrettable."
The minister also visited projects housing children affected and infected by HIV/Aids in the Pietermaritzburg area.
On Thursday he will visit HIV/Aids projects around Durban to assess their needs and to establish what services can be provided to improve the lives of children and other vulnerable people.
- SAPA