Private sector urged to combat social ills

KZN Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza is urging the private sector to be actively involved in a multi-sectoral strategy aimed at addressing social ills and supporting the comprehensive plan to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in the province.

Khoza was speaking during a recent virtual stakeholder engagement session where she emphasised the critical need for additional interventions and partnerships to safeguard individuals from societal challenges.
Recognising the urgency of tackling GBV and femicide, MEC Khoza reiterated the department’s unwavering commitment to implementing a range of interventions.
She specifically highlighted the pressing issue of teenage pregnancy, stressing the necessity for effective measures to address it.

MEC Khoza expressed concerns raised by children who often experience neglect due to their parents’ demanding work schedules.
In this regard, she earnestly appealed to the private sector to contribute to family-building efforts and address prevailing social issues that negatively impact families.
Moreover, MEC Khoza said children are not immune to violence and are frequently targeted by abusive individuals.

“We urge the private sector to collaborate with the department in promoting strong family values and prioritising the well-being of their employees, as this ultimately contributes to building resilient families,” she said.
Also, Khoza emphasised the importance of community unity in curbing the alarming rates of rape and violence against elderly women, mothers and children.

She called for a joint effort between the private sector and the government to spearhead programmes that prioritise dignity for all individuals.

“We want to ensure that during the month of July, known as Men’s Month, men play their role in families and fight against injustice in society,” said Khoza
Present at the engagement session was Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda who echoed the sentiments of the Department of Social Development and called for increased engagement in transformative work to provide essential support to those in need.

He emphasised the significance of addressing the root causes of social issues such as unemployment, which often leads to violence through comprehensive transformative programmes offered by the department.
Kaunda acknowledged the challenges faced by the department in its tireless efforts to assist the vulnerable population with limited resources.
He stressed the importance of establishing strong family structures and eradicating poverty as critical steps in tackling violent situations within the province.

He urged MEC Khoza to advocate for radical economic transformation and programmes that reshape the ownership landscape, promoting equal opportunities for business growth and prosperity.
He emphasised the importance of allocating government funding to foster a social solidarity economy within the nation, aligning with the urgent need for transformation and proactive measures to address prevailing social issues.

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