Deputy Chair, I hereby move without notice:
That the Council -
1) notes with shock and sadness the death of four children, aged 2, 6, 7 and 9 respectively, of the Mmupele family near Lichtenburg in the North West province who died tragically of hunger and dehydration two weeks ago while trying to find their mother who had gone in search of food - the postmortem results confirmed their cause of death as such;
2) further notes that no one in the family is employed, nor do they have identity documents to enable them to access social grants;
3) acknowledges that this tragedy once again confirms the hardships suffered by poor people and the severe and tragic consequences of unemployment and poverty, especially in the rural areas;
4) conveys its heartfelt condolences to the mother and the family on their bereavement; and
5) while mourning the death of these children, calls on the Departments of Social Services and Home Affairs as well as the municipality to come to the rescue of this destitute and bereaved family.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.