Private Sector/Poverty
Business Day, 21 October 2002, Govt, business set to tackle poverty
Minister
of Social Development Zola Skweyiya, leading empowerment businessman Cyril
Ramaphosa and Pick 'n Pay chairman Raymond Ackerman have called for a summit to
discuss ways of tackling the socio-economic challenges facing the poorest of the
poor in
"This
is the first summit of its kind," said Skweyiya refering to the special
summit that would be held on October 24-25 at the Gallagher Estate, Midrand in
"A summit for action rather than words. The summit seeks concrete practical outcomes that will ensure that we not only make a serious dent on poverty, but ensure that government, the private sector and communities use available resources optimally in a truly coordinated manner so that our common goal of a better life for all is realised," he said.
About 200 business representatives will also attend. The theme of the summit is "Poverty Alleviation and Eradication for Integrated business and Government Approach".
Some of the critical areas of engagement will be the following: partnership in poverty alleviation; promoting children's access to social grants and other rights; partnership in the fight against HIV-Aids, particularly support for home and community-based care; and promoting rights and access to services for the aged and disabled.
Among other participants at the summit will be government representatives form the provinces and local government, parastatals, community-based organisations and faith-based organisations, as well as international donors.
The
summit was preceded by a round table in April 2002, where 32 business leaders
resolved to hold the summit and discuss social development challenges and how
best to tackle them in an integrated and sustainable manner.