Minister Zulu to take Social Development month to Welkom – Free State Province

Since the announcement of the national lockdown in March this year, many South Africans lost their jobs and basic income, families became disintegrated as children could no longer attend school and the survival of the poor and the vulnerable became more difficult. Similar to world economies, South Africa was no exception as companies had to shut down due to social and economic activities coming to a stop.

The scourge of gender-based violence increased severely resulting in devastating living conditions for women and children. Some families lost their loved ones as a result of the coronavirus also known as COVID-19. Older persons were also affected negatively by this pandemic with some losing their lives due to vulnerability as a result of comorbidities.

In order to help South Africans, especially older persons, to continue with their lives – the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, will on Friday 09 October, take the Social Development Month campaign to Thabong Indoor Sports Centre in Welkom.

The campaign will be commemorated under the theme: “Strengthening our response to recovery through DSD services,” and Minister Zulu will be accompanied by the MEC of Social Development in the Free State – Ms Mamiki Qabathe. It is during the month of October that the Department of Social Development mobilises all resources towards the improvement of social services for poor and vulnerable South Africans.

The Department will, together with its entities – the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and National Development Agency (NDA), also introduce a basket of services and interventions to address a variety of challenges encountered by older persons on the day.

As part of the Active Ageing Programme, older persons will participate in a number of activities including a 2-kilometre Fun Walk.

Source: Government of South Africa