LET’S USE MANDELA DAY TO INTENSIFY FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY
President Jacob Zuma calls upon South Africans to use Mandela Day on 18 July to take forward the fight against poverty.
The Nelson Mandela International Day marked in honour of the world icon and late President Nelson Mandela, will this year observed under the theme #ActionAgainstPoverty.
President Zuma added that the collaboration of various stakeholders to fight and alleviate poverty in the country has been commendable and called on the sectors of society to continue working with Government, in amongst others to fight poverty, inequality and unemployment as to improve the living conditions of especially the poor and the working class in the country.
“Too many of our people live in poverty in spite of progress that government is making in fighting poverty, inequality and unemployment. As guided by the National Development Plan’s vision for rural revitalisation, inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction, we must work together to intensify poverty alleviation programmes and initiatives to ensure that our people receive basic human needs, especially food production to ensure access food. The people of South Africa are also encouraged to be actively involved in various initiatives that would change their lives and uplift their communities out of poverty,” said President Zuma.
The President encourages all to promote food gardens for households, support for cooperatives, SMMEs and other initiatives that will help alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life.