Gauteng Anti-Poverty Strategy revealed

Acting MEC for Gauteng Department of Social Development Panyaza Lesufi has revealed the Gauteng Anti-Poverty Strategy on December 8.

Lesufi, who is the MEC for education, was appointed as the acting MEC for social development after the death of MEC Thuliswa Nkabinde-Khawe in November.

“The Gauteng Provincial Government has recently approved the Gauteng Anti-Poverty Strategy to eliminate urban hunger and inequality within the province,” said Lesufi.

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“This is to support the decision taken by the Constitutional Court to protect the identity of children even beyond the age of 18.

“The strategy will protect the weak, poor and vulnerable by providing solid services that will move them from dependency to independence.

“It will remove some beneficiaries from relying on social grants to work opportunities within government projects.

“December is a cruel month for the poor, which exposes them badly.

“We are happy to declare that this Christmas children of the poor will be protected from poverty by the Gauteng Provincial Government.

“The second phase of our strategy will target the elderly and people with disabilities.

“The last phase of the strategy will incorporate everyone.

“The daily triple challenges facing the country, namely poverty, unemployment and inequality, are the difficulties we have to face and overcome.

The five pillars of this strategy are:

• Food security and urban farming

• Economic inclusion

• Social inclusion

• Skills development, education and health and safety

• Environmental sustainability

“The four-phase strategy will start with protecting vulnerable children.

“From now on, no child in distress should go to bed with an empty stomach.

“With the assistance of our sister departments in the province, all children in distress in Gauteng will immediately receive the following services:

• Free education at state-owned early childhood development (ECD) centres and public schools coupled with four sets of school uniforms.

• Free transport to schools if the distance is beyond 5km.

• Two hot meals daily at schools and ECD centres.

• One months worth of groceries every month until they turn 18.

• University and college bursaries until they finish their academic studies.

• Monthly dignity packs consisting of the following: toothbrush, toothpaste, roll on, face cloth, body lotion, sanitary towels and condoms for boys.

• Free medical support at public health institutions.

• Social grants.

• Psycho social support.

• Immediate support and care for children affected and infected with HIV/Aids.

• Support for children in sport in terms of sporting fees and clothing.

“The immediate beneficiaries of this strategy will be child-headed families, children in anti-abuse centres, children in distress.

“We will also use the services of churches, community development workers, schools, clinics and traditional leaders to identify children who need help.

“Members of society can use our call centre (0860 011 000) to report children who need help.”