Pretoria - Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini will play host at a Christmas Party for a group of orphaned and vulnerable youngsters from across the country on Friday.
According to the department, the group - between the ages of 12 and 22 - consists of children and youth that the minister has interacted with during the year.
Some of the youngsters are heading their households after being orphaned as a result of the HIV and Aids pandemic.
"These children continue to survive under difficult circumstances and are using wisely the resources that the department gives them, including social grants.
"Others are making the best out of their situation against all odds. They are resilient, intelligent and optimistic about the future," the department said.
The Minister is expected to thank the children for their efforts and reassure them that South Africa cares.
