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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 30 Oct 2008 Title: Govt releases anti-poverty strategy discussion document -------------------- By Bathandwa Mbola Pretoria - Government has released a discussion document on its anti poverty strategy which seeks to change the trajectory of its anti-poverty initiatives. The document, which seeks to eradicate poverty by creating economic opportunities and enabling or empowering communities or individuals to access these opportunites, was released by Deputy President Baleka Mbete on Wednesday at the Union Buildings. Providing a safety net in the form of social assistance and provision of basic services continues to be critical in governments efforts to eradicate poverty, but it is also seeking to empower individuals and communities to support themselves. "It will provide measures that tackle the root causes of poverty. The document builds on the work has been done since 1994," Ms Mbete said. Since 1994, government has waged a war on poverty. This is reflected in the types of policies adopted by government as well as in its spending on social policies. Much of government's work is already aimed at addressing poverty and ensuring a better life for all and significant, visible progress has been made in this regard. However, the challenges inherited from apartheid are massive, which has led to the programmes not reaching all the targeted communities and government has acknowledged that there is still much that needs to be done. According to Ms Mbete, the document seeks to change the trajectory of government's anti-poverty initiatives as well as to strengthen its resolve to reduce the incidence of poverty while preventing the reproduction of poverty in households. Formal public consultations on the strategy, drafted by the Presidency, are to be held at a date still to be announced. The document, which identified older people, unemployed youths, children, women, people with disabilities and those living in poor areas as the most vulnerable groups, notes that central to the eradication of poverty is improving the economic situation of households. This can be achieved by maintaining overall economic growth, through substantial investment in economic infrastructure and appropriate fiscal and monetary policies. Through the strategy, government support would be targeted at measures that will create economic opportunities on a mass scale for the historically marginalised through land reform and agrarian development as well as providing support for growth in sustainable, labour-intensive formal activities and a substantial expansion in public employment schemes. The document further points out that human resource development in particular education and skills development plays a significant role in preventing the intergenerational transmission of poverty. Another focus area will be the rural development and agricultural support to families. By expanding opportunities for employment and self-employment, providing quality education and skills and health care, promoting access to assets, including social capital, and promoting social cohesion government will be making critical interventions to better the lives of South Africans and ultimately reduce levels pf poverty, the document says. The strategy also identifies the need to have a safety net for poor households in the form of social assistance and the provision of basic services. Also speaking at the event, Minister in the Presidency, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang called on all South Africans, including civil society and business, to get involved in empowering the poor and getting them involved in the economy. "While government accepts the responsibility to address poverty in our country, it cannot on its own be able to achieve the eradication of poverty without the help of other players in society," said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang. The document urges support by business and non-governmental organisations to take form in mentoring new businesses or community organisations, volunteering in poor communities, assisting organisations representing the poor, or providing funds. - BuaNews |
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