Social Development Deputy Minister, Ganief Hendricks, has expressed his satisfaction at the success of the stakeholder engagement on sustainable livelihoods, food security, and nutrition.
The inaugural engagement, held in Pietermaritzburg, in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands on Thursday, brought together key stakeholders from all three spheres of government, including local councillors, representatives from the national department, business leaders and members of the public.
The event marked a major step in fostering collaboration between government, business and communities to ensure that South Africa’s food security and poverty eradication goals are met effectively.
It was aimed at informing the community about the role of the department’s directorate and the ways it can assist those it serves.
In his address, Hendricks emphasised the importance of food security, underscoring the goal that “no child should ever go to bed hungry”.
Hendricks stressed the need for stakeholders to work together, not just to alleviate poverty, but to completely eradicate it - especially food poverty.
“The community-based initiatives and collaborative efforts play a critical role in ensuring the success of these objectives.”
Officials from both the national and provincial department in attendance committed to the visions outlined by the Deputy Minister, which reinforces shared determination to fight food insecurity, poverty, and to support sustainable livelihoods across the country.
The engagement concluded with an in-loco inspection of a farming blueprint in Hardingdale, Msunduzi.
The blueprint, which showcases a successful model for food security, poverty eradication, and sustainable livelihoods, is being presented as a model that other communities can adopt and replicate for their benefit. – SAnews.gov.za
