Bloemfontein - Free State MEC for Social Development, Sisi Ntombela, has challenged communities to partner with government and declare a war on poverty during Social Development Month.
Addressing the media in Bloemfontein at the launch of Social Development Month on Thursday, Ntombela said the public can help by making a contribution towards poverty alleviation programmes.
"Government, civil society and businesses must put all hands on deck to eliminate poverty. It is not the responsibility of government only,' she said, adding that the war against poverty can only be won through partnerships formed with various stakeholders.
Throughout Social Development Month, the department will conduct campaigns to donate clothes and food to the needy. Information around poverty alleviation projects will be disseminated at these events.
"We will be engaging the communities outlining the service delivery processes to vulnerable groups and how to access the broad array of social services throughout the month."
The department commended the business sector and civil society for their valuable contribution towards the Friends of the Poor project established by the department. Set to benefit from the programme are the disabled, elderly and vulnerable children.
October is set aside to assess service delivery towards the poor and educate the communities about services available to the needy.
