October 17, 2006
By Thabang Mokoka
JOHANNESBURG has 60 programmes in place to deal with poverty, which tops the agenda today, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed to encourage various organisations to support countries' efforts to eradicate poverty. National activities devoted to stamping out destitution are presented and promoted on the day.
The programmes, aimed at vulnerable groups such as women, youngsters and the disabled, are being run across the City's seven regions to support poor households and enable them to improve their quality of life.
Through its poverty alleviation programmes, the City aims to uplift people living in squalor
According to Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, the member of the mayoral committee for community development, the programmes are high on the department's agenda. "We are making an impact on the levels of poverty in the city," she says.
"We do this through teaching people productive skills and entrepreneurial principles to enable them to start up their own small enterprises."
In Region G, the area around Orange Farm, programmes in operation include skills training in farming, bakery, catering, juice making, sewing, welding, detergent production and communication technology.
Over in Region D, which includes Soweto, programmes are being run that include teaching catering skills at the Senaoane Skills Development Centre and Zola Clinic.
"If [participating people are] successful they will not only be able to provide for themselves and their immediate family but have a potential, in future job creation," Mayathula-Khoza says.
Apart from skills development programmes, the City is also involved in a number of poverty alleviation programmes, including:
Social funding that is directed at non-profit non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community organisations that render services to the community. According to a City press statement almost 400 NGOs have already benefited from such funding.
Social burial programmes that assist poverty-stricken families to bury their loved ones with dignity.
A food security programme that provides food and fresh produce to children affected by HIV and Aids, particularly orphans. According to a City press statement more than 13 000 children in Joburg are benefiting from this programme.
Provision of free basic municipal services to indigent families to create a safety net for particularly vulnerable groups.
"Our social development programmes are directed towards poverty alleviation and support of the most vulnerable people in our society – especially the very young, the elderly and the disabled," Mayathula-Khoza explains. "As a city we have a special responsibility towards marginalised communities."
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